

r 4 




p *'.' -'■'■' 


V-lft? 




J^m 


T * :;:: 




ft- ^ 



5 < 

Q b 

5 I 

w H 

DC v 



1869 x 9*9 

THE STORY OF 

OCEAN GROVE 

RELATED IN THE YEAR OF ITS 

GOLDEN JUBILEE 



BY 
MORRIS S. DANIELS 

A trustee of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, from personal 

knowledge acquired by an intimate association with the 

place from its earliest days, and supported 

by historical records. 



ILLUSTRATIONS FROM HIS PRIVATE COLLECTION 
OF ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS 



71 




THE METHODIST BOOK CONCERN 
NEW YORK CINCINNATI 



2^ 5 



Copyright, 19 1 9, by 
MORRIS S. DANIELS 



Uul -J f 9/g 



A535153 



A" 



_\lo^ 



I 



DEDICATION 

TO THE GLORY AND HONOR OF THE 
FATHERS-WORTHY MEN, MINISTERS AND 
LAYMEN— WHO, IN THE PROVIDENCE OF 
GOD, WERE PRIVILEGED TO ESTABLISH 
OCEAN GROVE, AND AFTER ZEALOUSLY 
GUARDING IT AS "A PEARL OF GREAT 
PRICE," HAVE ENJOINED UPON THEIR 
SUCCESSORS 

"TO KEEP THESE LANDS A PERPETUAL 
OBLATION UPON CHRIST'S ALTAR." 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Dedication 3 

Foreword 11 

The Origin 23 

How Ocean Grove Originated 24 

Dr. Stokes's Historical Sketch 25 

Changing Personnel 28 

The First Sales of Lots 29 

The Story of Asbury Park , 30 

Restrictions 33 

Object of Organization 35 

Land and Titles 35 

How Water was Found 36 

No Mosquitoes 40 

The Religious Services and Buildings 42 

First Camp Meeting 43 

Mr. Rodeheaver at Ocean Grove 44 

A Remarkable Constellation 46 

Billy Sunday at Ocean Grove 48 

The Meeting for Men Only 52 

The March Around Jerusalem 53 

The Auditorium . 55 

The Ocean Grove Ushers 63 

The Tabernacle 66 

A Group of Well-known Land Marks 66 

The Holiness Meeting 69 

The Young People's Temple and The Young People's Meeting 70 

The Junior Assembly 78 

Children's Meeting 79 

Sunrise Meeting 79 

Family Devotions 79 

The Immediate Decision Meeting 81 

The Mothers' Meeting 81 

The Twilight Meeting 81 

The Surf Meetings 81 

The Surf Meetings of Long Ago 83 

The North End Song Service 86 

The South End Song Service 87 

The Summer Sunday School 88 

The Auditorium Bible Class 88 

The Temple Sunday School 89 

The Primary Sunday School 89 

The Chinese Department 90 

The Model of Jerusalem 91 

The Beach and Board Walk 92 

Beside the Summer Sea 92 

The Board Walk 94 

The Great Washout 95 

Pavilions 102 

The North End Pavilion 103 

The Excursionists' Pavilion 103 

South End Memories 105 

The New South End Pavilion 107 

Streets and Entrances 108 

5 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

The New Main Avenue Gates and the Story of the Inscription 108 

Streets in 

Parks 119 

Memorial Park 123 

Lakes 123 

Trees 130 

Tents, Cottages, and Hotels 134. 

What's in a Name? 135 

At the Old-Time Camp Meeting 138 

Another Landmark Gone 142 

Recreations 146 

On the Sands at Ocean Grove 146 

Bathing 147 

The South End Bathing Camp 152 

Winter Bathing at Ocean Grove 1 54, 

Boating 155 

Music at Ocean Grove 158 

An Outdoor "Concert" 159 

A Reminiscence 1 6o 

Oratorios and Concerts 161 

The Children's Fairyland Festival 163 

The Ocean Grove Organ 167 

The Organ Builder 170 

The Post Office 172 

The Building 173 

The Town Clock 173 

The Postmasters 175 

Telegraph Service 176 

Telephones 176 

Transportation Facilities 17; 

Sunday trains 178 

Police and Fire Protection 179 

Police Department 17) 

Fire Department i32 

The Ocean Grove Anniversaries i36 

Monuments and Fountains i83 

The Stokes' Monument 190 

The Alday Memorial Fountain 192 

Notable Events 195 

The Osborn Cottage 196 

The Wedding on the Beach 197 

"A Free Lunch — Enjoyed by all" 197 

President Grant at Ocean Grove 197 

General Grant's Last Visit to Ocean Grove 202 

Garfield and Ocean Grove 207 

President McKinley at Camp Meeting 211 

Roosevelt's Two Visits 215 

Ocean Grove, the Forum of Mr. Taft's Arbitration Announcement 219 

Wilson, Our Neighbor 224 

Bishop William Taylor 227 

An Ocean Grove Shrine 230 

College Association of Ocean Grove 232 

Patriotic Occasions 232 

From Ocean Grove to the French Front 232 

Ocean Grove's "Rough Riders" in the War 236 

The Honor Roll 237 

Local Interest 240 

When the Summer Folk have Flitted 240 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Elirn 243 

Ocean Grove Church 244 

Bancroft Rest Home 247 

Methodist Episcopal Home for the Aged in Ocean Grove 248 

The Community Christmas Tree 255 

Around the Community Christmas Tree 257 

In Time of Storm 258 

Conventions 249 

The Church and Sunday School Congress 249 

The National Educational Assembly 250 

The Epworth League Institute and the "Get-Together-Conference" 250 

Temperance 251 

Summer School of Theology 252 

State Federation of Women's Clubs 253 

Ocean Grove Literature 261 

The Ocean Grove Times 262 

The Ocean Grove Monthly 263 

Finances 264 

A Christmas Gift 264 

Ground Rental 265 

The Right of Taxation 266 

The Treasury 268 

The Future 270 

"A Golden Year for a Golden Gift" 271 

Appendix 272 

The Charter 272 

Officers and Members — 1869 274 

The Members — 1919 275 

Crossing the Bar 276 

In Memoriam 277 

Officers and Committees — 1919 279 

Significance of the Names of the Streets of Ocean Grove 279 

Sunday Travel 280 

The First Prayer Meeting 281 

On Existing Laws 281 

The First Letter from the New Post Office 282 

The First Telegram Sent 282 

Anniversaries 283 

The Ocean Grove Hymn , 283 

Our Major Patterson 285 

The Great Wash-Out 286 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

The Auditorium Frontispiece 

William B. Osborn 13 

Ellwood H. Stokes 15 

James N. FitzGerald 17 

Aaron E. Ballard 19 

James William Marshall, D.D 21 

Vase Marking Location of First Religious Service 23 

Alfred Cookman 28 

Rulif V. Lawrence 28 

George Franklin 29 

John S. Inskip 29 

"Beersheba" 37 

The Fountain 40 

The Mosquito Map 41 

George Wood Anderson 44 

Mr. Morgan and Mr. Rodeheaver 45 

Ocean Grove's Musical Leaders 46 

William A. Sunday 49 

Homer A. Rodeheaver 50 

Grace Saxe 50 

Alice M. Gamlin 50 

Paul Rader 53 

Melvin B. Trotter 53 

President Ballard and Vice-President Wilson leading the Procession in 191 5. 54 

The First Auditorium 56 

The Second Auditorium 57 

The Third Auditorium 58 

David H. Wyckoff 59 

The Fourth Auditorium — 1894 60 

Interior of Auditorium 61 

Participating in the Dedication of the Auditorium 62 

The Tabernacle 64 

A Group of Well-known Landmarks 66 

The Enlarged Young People's Temple 71 

The Young People's Temple — 1887 72 

Charles H. Yatman 73 

The Rev. Charles L. Mead, D.D 7+ 

The Rev. William H. Morgan, D.D 75 

The Criterion Quartette 75 

The Junior Assembly — 1918 76 

The Junior Assembly Choir and Orchestra 77 

Thornley Chapel 78 

The Twilight Choir 80 

The Surf Meeting of Long Ago 82 

The Surf Meeting in 1878 83 

Another Surf Meeting 84 

Still Another Surf Meeting 85 

James F. Mohn 86 

Interior South End Pavilion 87 

J. H. Thornley 88 

Thomas O'Hanlon 89 

Kate J. Skirm 90 

Eva L. Mackrell 91 

The Model of Jerusalem 92 

The Beach and Board Walk 93 

8 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



PAGE 

The Beach Was Sixteen Feet below the Walk 95 

Many of the Piling Barely Touching the Sand 96 

Dashing against the Bulkhead 97 

The Sea Carried Away a Part of the Walk 98 

Starting the Sand Pump 98 

Pumping in the Sand 99 

The Washout Filled ico 

The Rev. J. Reeves Daniels 101 

Ross's Pavilion 103 

The New North End Pavilion 104 

Lillagore's Pavilion 106 

The New South End Pavilion 108 

The Old Main Avenue Entrance 109 

The New Main Avenue Entrance to Ocean Grove no 

The Wesley Esplanade 112 

New Jersey Avenue Entrance 113 

Early Cottage of J. R. Daniels 114 

Pilgrim Pathway in the Early Seventies 115 

Central Avenue from Main Avenue 116 

Main Avenue and the Post Office, from Central Avenue 117 

The Flaring Avenues 118 

Centennial Park 119 

The Asbury Triangle 120 

Founder's Park (Formerly Thompson Park) 121 

Memorial Park — Monument Unveiled July 31, 1875 122 

At the Old Ferry — Pilgrim Pathway 124 

Fairy Island — Wesley Lake 125 

The Haywood Cottage in the Eighties 126 

Wesley Lake 127 

Fairy Island — Wesley Lake 128 

Wesley Lake 129 

As the Birds See Ocean Grove 131 

Tents Were the Abodes of People 134 

The Old-Fashion Boarding Tent 135 

Lake Pathway in 1870 136 

Bethany 137 

Tent of the late Dr. Charles N. Karsner 138 

Pioneer Cottage 139 

The Original Howland House 140 

Friendship Cottage 141 

Ocean Hall 142 

The Original Arlington 143 

Osborn House, Named for the Founder of Ocean Grove 144 

Bird's Eye View from the Sheldon House 145 

Showers of Spray 146 

The Bathing Beach 148 

Life Lines for Sea Bathing 151 

The South End Bathing Camp 152 

Temporary Booths, South End Bathing Camp 153 

Winter Bathing 154 

Wesley Lake at Foot of Pilgrim Pathway 155 

Somewhat Like the "Barbara Heck" 156 

Willisford Dey 158 

John R. Sweney 158 

Tali Esen Morgan 1 62 

The Kimono Girls 163 

The Children's Festival — Queen Mab III and the Royal Court 164 

Some of Ocean Grove's Rough Riders 165 

A Group of Girls of the Children's Festival Chorus 166 

The FitzGerald Memorial Organ 168 

Robert Hope-Jones 170 



io ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

The Post Office Prior to 1880 172 

The Association Building 174 

A Picture Story for the Children 180 

Wesley Lake — Looking East 183 

Wesley Lake — Looking West 183 

Charter Members, E. H. Stokes Fire Company 185 

Angel of Victory 189 

The Stokes Monument 1 90 

The Alday Memorial Fountain in Woodlawn Park 193 

John H. Alday, M.D 194 

The Osborn Cottage 196 

Ulysses S. Grant 198 

The Ocean Grove Gates 200 

The Rev. A. J. Palmer, D.D 203 

The Grant Cottage at Long Branch 205 

The Garfield Train and Franklin Cottage 209 

President William McKinley Addressing the Congregation in the Auditorium. 212 

Theodore Roosevelt 214 

President Roosevelt Addressing the Convention 216 

A Troop of Ocean Grove's Rough Riders 218 

Hon. John E. Andrus 221 

William Howard Taft 222 

Woodrow Wilson 225 

Bishop William Taylor 228 

"College Day" 231 

Playing Soldier in the Sand 234 

A Winter Morning Scene 241 

Elim Cottage 243 

The Old St. Paul's Church 246 

Bancroft Rest Home 248 

The New Home for the Aged 249 

The Epworth League Institute 251 

New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs in Session 252 

Dr. Ella Prentice Upham 253 

Mrs. C. W. Stockton 253 

The Community Christmas Tree — 1914 255 

The Community Christmas Tree — 1916 256 

Havoc Wrought at Seabright 260 

The Home of the Ocean Grove Record 262 

Crossing the Bar 276 

General John C. Patterson 285 



FOREWORD 

It should be remembered that, in telling "The Story of Ocean Grove," 
there is afforded no opportunity to present anything original. It is neces- 
sarily limited to a recital of past events, and the retelling of what has 
already been told. 

Some of what is here presented already has appeared in the Ocean 
Grove Monthly, and liberal quotations — as such and otherwise — have 
been made from documents which during the past fifty years have become 
historical. 

But it is hoped that the narration of "The Story of Ocean Grove" in 
the year of its Golden Jubilee will be an inspiration to all to fulfill the 
injunctions of the founders as set forth in the Charter, that Ocean Grove 
may continue "A perpetual oblation upon Christ's Altar" and "consecrated 
to sacred uses." 



12 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



A rugged, stalwart man of splendid physique — "preeminently a child 
and lover of nature" — with hair and beard to rival David's; whose voice 
could easily be heard from the Auditorium to the ocean, and whose great 
ambition was to provide "somewhere along the sea, a convenient place 
where a few families of like mind can pitch their tents, and for a little while 
in summer enjoy the sea air, bathing, fishing, etc., having such social and 
religious exercises intermingled as convenience and inclination might sug- 
gest." 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



13 




WILLIAM B. OSBORN 

A charter member of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting 

Association. The founder of Ocean Grove. 



14 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



To Ocean Grove I have given the best judgment of my ripest years 
— the toil of brain, and bone, and blood and heart. The joy of her success 
is like the joy of one's nuptial days; but when she departs from her orig- 
inal principles, my grief will be like that with which 1 followed my dead 
to the silent grave — and as 1 have mourned for them, so should I mourn 
if Ocean Grove failed to fulfill her high and holy mission. But she shall 
not fail ; God is with her, and so long as we are true to him, he will be true 
to us. If I speak to you no more on this subject, this is my last request 
for Ocean Grove: 

Still let this place be held for God, 

By him be blest, to him be given, 
Its hearts and homes be his abode, 

His, morning, noon and dewy ev'en; 
My heart repeats it o'er and o'er, 
His all the while, HIS EVERMORE. 

Ellwood H. Stokes. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



i5 




ELLWOOD H. STOKES, D.D., LL.D. 

A charter member of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, and its first 
President — 1 869-1 897. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



When the great tablet "Holiness to the Lord" was placed in position 
[in the new Auditorium], Dr. Stokes called attention specially to it ex- 
pressing the earnest hope that we might never depart from its principles. 

With her peculiar customs changed, Ocean Grove would be a matter 
of history; a new order of things would obtain and the gates of this our 
Zion would be borne away. 

If our grounds can be preserved from invasion by forces that would 
destroy our distinctive features, and from influences that are inimical to 
the great object that we have in view; and if in the spirit of true conse- 
cration we adhere to and exemplify the great scriptural doctrines which we 
are set to maintain, we should move forward to even more glorious achieve- 
ments in the name of the Master. 

James N. FitzGerald. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 




JAMES N. FITZGERALD 

A bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The second President of the 

Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association — 1897- 1906. 



i8 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



I am not accustomed to looking forward beyond what the present 
necessities demand. I feel a sure trust that God will find something for 
me to do in the world beyond, for which I am being educated here. 

In spiritual life I am sure that I grow in the consciousness of the 
higher degrees of spiritual knowledge. I am grateful for the kindliness of 
your appreciation, which has placed me in your high place of honor. 

Aaron E. Ballard. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 19 




AARON E. BALLARD 

A charter member of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. The 

third Vice-President — 1874-1906; elected third President 1907. Now 

in the midst of the ninety-ninth year of his age. 



20 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



Dr. Marshall, who has had general oversight of all religious services at 
Ocean Grove since 191 8, entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in the Newark Conference in 1872. After occupying some of the 
leading appointments of that Conference — among them the great Roseville 
Church, of Newark, generally acknowledged by those who know to be the 
most important in the metropolitan area — he was transferred to the New- 
Jersey Conference, and became the first pastor of the new Centenary 
Church, and later served the great Broadway Church, both of Camden, 
New Jersey — the latter said to be the largest Methodist Episcopal church 
edifice in New Jersey. In 1903 Dr. Marshall succeeded the late Dr. 
Thomas O'Hanlon — of Ocean Grove Bible Class fame — in the presidency 
of Pennington Seminary. 

Three times Dr. Marshall has been a member of the General Confer- 
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church: in 1900 at Chicago, 1908 at 
Baltimore, and 19 16 at Saratoga, while twice, in 1904 and 19 12, he was 
the first reserve delegate, these signal honors having been bestowed upon 
him by the New Jersey Conference. In 191 1 he was a member of the 
Ecumenical Conference held at Toronto, Canada. 

Dr. Marshall has been the district superintendent of the Trenton 
District and recently completed the sixth year as district superintendent of 
the New Brunswick District. During this latter period, he has made Ocean 
Grove his home, having long planned to make this place his permanent resi- 
dence should he ever retire from the active ministry. He now devotes his 
entire time to Ocean Grove. 

Of all this work and service, Dr. Marshall naively says, "On the 
whole, I have spent a very happy, busy and useful life for our Lord and 
Master, Jesus Christ." 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



21 




JAMES WILLIAM MARSHALL, D.D. 

Elected Vice-President of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association 

January, 1918 



THE ORIGIN 

In a little old dingy tent, one of ten erected on the sand drifts of what 
was later to be known in Ocean Grove as Thompson Park but now called 
Founders' Park, there occurred on the night of July 31, 1869 — fifty years 
ago — an event of immense signif- 
icance. What happened was not 
unusual of itself, and the sur- 
roundings were not such as would 
impress one that history was mak- 
ing within the confines of the 
poor little tent, illumined, as it 
was, by a few tallow candles ; but 
"Great oaks from little acorns 
grow." 

On this occasion, which has 
now been commemorated at 
Ocean Grove for half a century, 
there had gathered in the tent 
about a score of persons. They 
had arrived only the day before 
and pitched their tents on the 
sands. There being no chairs, 
seats had been improvised for 
them out of rough pine boards. 
The night was dark, save for the 
stars which twinkled brightly 
from overhead, while the few 
candles within cast weird shad- 
ows upon the scene. Some had 
come directly from their own 
tents while others had preferred 
to wander over the yielding sands 

to the edge of the dune overlooking the sea to watch the moon rise from 
her briny bed. But shortly after nine o'clock all had gathered in the little 
dimly lighted tent for the first religious service — a prayer meeting — held at 
Ocean Grove. What a memorable occasion, and how much has resulted 
therefrom ! 





INtl * v ■•"-• ' •■ ' 


''.•:*" 





VASE MARKING THE SPOT WHERE, IN 
THE TENT OF MRS. JOSEPH H. 
THORNLEY, THE FIRST RELIGIOUS 

SERVICE A PRAYER MEETING WAS 

HELD IN OCEAN GROVE, JULY 31, 
1869. 



23 



24 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



How Ocean Grove Originated 

William B. Osborn, the founder of Ocean Grove, was an impulsive, 
enthusiastic individual, and the poverty of his father, a Methodist preacher, 
so galled his proud, independent spirit that he determined he would never 
be one. Later, he was converted and entered the wholesale marble business 
in Philadelphia. After a time he lost his "first love," but, being wonder- 
fully reclaimed at a camp meeting, he was led to give his life to the promo- 
tion of that form of worship. Soon he was called to the ministry. He 
worked indefatigably on his charges and at camp meetings. 

Finally he suggested and founded the National Holiness Association. 
It is a well-known fact that Ocean Grove grew out of the National Holi- 
ness Camp Meeting movement. 

Being preeminently a child and lover of nature, including the ocean 
and groves, God's natural temples, he became enthusiastic in desiring that 
God should have a place for his church by the sea — objectionable worldly 
features having been ruled out — where his children could gather and reap 
physical, mental, and spiritual benefit. He interested many others in the 
project. He prospected the New Jersey coast from Sandy Hook to Cape 
May, seeking principally for three things — the highest beach, best grove, 
and the place freest from mosquitoes. He chose what has become Ocean 
Grove, and said the name for it had been given to him in prayer. He was 
soon appointed by Conference to Farmingdale, which enabled him to work 
up the enterprise. One cold winter's day in 1868, leaving the carriage on 
the main road, he wended his way through the brush to what is now 
Founders' Park, and knelt there in the snow and prayed that if this spot 
was the divine choice God would further the enterprise. Later, he proposed 
going to a fisherman to purchase some acres, but was told it was no use, for 
he had declared he would not sell a foot of it to any one. Mr. Osborn 
characteristically remarked that if God Almighty wanted that land, he 
could either kill the old man or make him willing to sell it. He went and 
told the fisherman in his frank, straightforward way what his plan was, 
and, moreover, that if he knew what was good for himself he would sell 
him that land before he left the house — which he did. Mr. Osborn also 
told him that he would live to sell his adjoining land for one thousand 
dollars per acre — which also he did ! 

It was with difficulty even then that men could be persuaded to be- 
come members of an association. But finally, in December, 1869, the 
Ocean Grove Association was formed, and the first camp meeting was held, 
at Mr. Osborn's suggestion, the next summer. 

In the early days a minister when asked to buy a lot, inquired, "Os- 
born, what have you there?" 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 25 

"The ocean and sand now; but in twenty years there will be a con- 
tinuous city from Long Branch to Cape May," was his reply. The proph- 
ecy was fulfilled. He had the vision to see what this place, most unkempt, 
with its brush and sand dunes as high as the boarding houses and hotels are 
now, could become. As an illustration of this, he had literally to plead 
with the Association to grant enough land, which they greatly hesitated to 
do, for the wide Ocean Pathway — now a suitable avenue to the Audi- 
torium and the glory of Ocean Grove. 

Not only was Mr. Osborn a charter member of the Association but 
he became its first Superintendent of the Grounds. To permit this he re- 
ceived a Conference appointment to "Greenville and Ocean Grove" with 
the understanding that he fill the Greenville pulpit on Sundays through- 
out the year, but that his time during the week, especially during the first 
six months, would be largely devoted to Ocean Grove. And he remained 
Superintendent of the Grounds until the spring of 1872, when he felt it 
his duty to resign. 

Dr. Stokes's Historical Sketch 

"A brief outline of the Ocean Grove enterprise seems appropriate," 
wrote the Rev. Ellwood H. Stokes, first president of the Ocean Grove 
Camp Meeting Association in 1872, after three summers had passed from 
the time when in "an informal, social, and religious way, eight or ten fam- 
ilies met in the summer of 1869." Continuing, Dr. Stokes said: 

"Its origin was simply this : A few familiar friends, after protracted 
labors in the pastorate, felt that an annual respite of a few weeks from 
these toils was an absolute necessity. But where, in connection with the 
congenial society, free from fashion and folly, at an expense within their 
means, could such rest be found? This was a grave question, and for sev- 
eral years remained unanswered. The first crude thought was, Is there not, 
somewhere along the sea, a convenient place where a few families of like 
mind can pitch their tents, and for a little while in summer enjoy the sea 
air, bathing, fishing, etc., having such social and religious exercises inter- 
mingled as convenience and inclination might suggest ? An affirmative con- 
viction seemed to rest on all. But it was a long time before the crude 
thought gathered sufficient strength to assume definite shape. Meanwhile, 
the Rev. W. B. Osborn, whose interest in camp meetings is generally 
known, traveling extensively through the State, and conversing with many 
persons on the subject, associated with this thought of a summer resort for 
ministers, a long-cherished idea of a camp meeting by the sea, and soon be- 
came greatly interested in the selection of a proper place. In this work 
the New Jersey coast from Sandy Hook to Cape May was thoroughly ex- 
plored, and the grounds now occupied, six miles south of Long Branch, 



26 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

having a magnificent ocean front, with splendid grove, bounded north and 
south by fresh water lakes, with every other convenience needed, was 
selected as the best adapted to our wants. 

"It was soon decided to purchase six acres of this land, lying in the 
grove immediately along the northern lake, and, in this small compass, a 
few of us proposed, in the simplest and most unostentatious way, to as- 
semble from year to year, and enjoy our summer rest in bathing, fishing, 
worshiping, or sauntering socially along the shore, free from the heavy 
cares which we felt resting upon us, welcoming from the immediate neigh- 
borhood such as might choose to join us in our simple service by the sea. 

"It was no speculation; no scheme for money-raising; no device of any 
kind, but simply and singly social, recreative, and religious, mainly — ex- 
cepting the few neighbors who might desire to worship with us — for our- 
selves alone. The great world we did not seek, but rather shunned, fol- 
lowing the Saviour's invitation, 'Come apart into a desert [or quiet] place, 
and rest awhile.' In this informal, and social, and religious way, eight or ten 
families met in the summer of 1869. We gave ourselves up to rest, yet at 
the same time two or three religious services of an intensely interesting 
character were held each day. The grounds were solemnly consecrated to 
the worship of Almighty God, with overwhelming and never-to-be-forgotten 
evidence of the divine approval. Every one was delighted and the rich 
communion enjoyed with God and nature along the ever-sounding sea was 
left with profound regrets. 

"As our plans became known, others wished to unite with us, and we 
were earnestly desired to extend our enterprise to include all who sought 
similar relief from the heavy cares of professional or business life. Yielding 
to this request, in the winter of 1869 an Association, consisting of thirteen 
ministers and thirteen laymen, was formed, and a charter 1 obtained from 
the New Jersey Legislature, under the following title: 'The Ocean Grove 
Camp Meeting Association of the Methodist Episcopal Church.' 

"The following paragraph precedes the charter: 'Recognizing the 
truth and beauty of the Scripture declaration, "The earth is the Lord's and 
the fullness thereof,' and being especially impressed with the propriety of 
having a portion of the land skirting the sea consecrated to sacred uses, we, 
whose names are hereunto annexed, with a single eye to the Divine glory, 
and in humble dependence upon our heavenly Father's aid, do hereby 
solemnly covenant together, to use certain land, which has been providen- 
tially committed to our trust for these high and holy purposes. And we 
further declare it to be our design, to keep these lands a perpetual oblation 
upon Christ's altar, enjoining the same duty upon those who may succeed 
us. To this end we mutually pledge our Christian honor.' 
1 See Appendix, page 272. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 27 

"Any surplus funds remaining to the corporation, after defraying the 
necessary expenses for improvements or otherwise, are to be devoted to such 
benevolent objects as may be determined by the Association at its regular 
meeting. 

"From this time our enterprise assumed proportions not anticipated by 
any at its commencement, and from six acres has advanced [1872] to two 
hundred and thirty. This land, when originally purchased, was in many 
places overgrown with a tangled wildwood, while in others it was rough, 
unsightly, and barren. To reduce it to its present condition has been a 
very laborious and expensive work. Still, as the demand for lots exceeded 
our most sanguine expectations, we have gone forward, expending thus far 
more than all receipts, in payment for lands and permanent improvements 
thereon, and as funds continue to be received from the sale of lots and other 
sources, improvements for the general good will still be made. The grounds 
are laid out in beautiful avenues and parks. Some of these avenues, as 
they stretch across the open beach-land, are, at their commencement at the 
grove, two hundred feet wide, increasing in width as they approach the sea. 
The aggregate length of avenues now open [1872] is about five miles. The 
number of lots already surveyed [1872] is about fifteen hundred, two 
thirds of which are now sold. Over three hundred cottages, some of them 
very beautiful, varying in cost from one hundred and fifty to over three 
thousand dollars, are already built, and many more will be erected the 
coming season. 

"The eastern front of our grounds, half a mile in extent, is bounded 
by the Atlantic Ocean, where the surf bathing is unsurpassed ; the west by a 
good turnpike, leading from Long Branch, six miles above, to Shark River, 
two miles below; the north by Wesley and the south by Fletcher lake, both 
of which are fresh water, where the boating privileges are fine, and the bath- 
ing, for ladies and children who fear the surf, superb. The congregational 
grounds, where large, high-toned, and successful camp meetings have al- 
ready been held, are just inside Sea-Drift Heights, in a delightful grove of 
thrifty young oaks, exactly five hundred yards from the open sea. 

"Ocean Pathway, leading directly from the Preacher's Stand to the 
surf, is a fine graveled walk, in the center of a park, fifteen hundred feet 
long by two hundred feet wide at the grove, and widening to three hun- 
dred at the sea. Ocean Avenue, running parallel with and immediately 
along the sea front, is also several hundred feet wide. Cottages are now 
being built on both these thoroughfares, and when the grounds are com- 
pleted will be the most magnificent avenues to be found. 

"Superior water for drinking and general household purposes is every- 
where found, by means of tube pumps, at a depth of from fifteen to twenty- 
five feet, and the supply is inexhaustible. [Long since abandoned for 



28 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



artesian water of surpassing quality, not equaled anywhere along the coast.] 
A number of buildings have been erected by the Association for business 
and other purposes. Among these are a store for general merchandise and 
provisions also, a building used by the Association for post office, telegraph 
office, general news office, bookstore, etc. The Grove Cottage, just inside 
the gate, has been recently purchased by the Association, of Mr. Charles 
Rogers, raised, and otherwise improved, and will be kept open the year 
round for the accommodation of visitors. Ice houses, bathing houses, bath- 
ing lines, boats, etc., are provided, and will be multiplied as necessity de- 
mands. 

"From this brief sketch it will be seen that our plans are vastly be- 
yond original intentions. This enlargement has been pressed upon us. We 
have accepted the pressure as a providential call. The enlargement has 
involved a vast amount of care, anxiety, and expense ; difficulties too have 
sometimes so accumulated as seemingly to obstruct our further progress, but, 
toiling on in faith, God has many times marvelously opened our way. 
Efforts still are necessary to complete our plans, but, as we believe our 
work is of God, we shall toil, and pray, and wait." 

Changing Personnel 

There were no losses by death in the membership of the Association 
until 1 87 1. 

The first was the Rev. Alfred Cookman, a mem- 
ber of the Newark Annual Conference ; a young man 
of great influence and remembered to this day for 
his many Christian virtues and widespread and com- 
manding influence. 

Then followed shortly the 
death of the Rev. Ruliff V. 
Lawrence, a member of the 
New Jersey Conference ; and 
the first and only vice-president 
of the Association until the time of his death. Of 
him Dr. Stokes said: "He was quick to perceive, and 
as prompt to execute, all that tended to promote the 
interests of Ocean Grove." 

Death came next to a layman, George Frank- 
lin, Esq., of Farmingdale, New Jersey, who, though a layman, "in 
his sphere," said Dr. Stokes, "was none the less interested, or prompt in 
doing all that was assigned to him. When Ocean Grove was a problem, 
George Franklin gave time and deep attention to its interests, and when 
Brother Osborn knew not where to turn for help or how in the beginning 





THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



29 




to get from Farmingdale to Ocean Grove, Franklin said, 'Here are my 
horses and carriage, and I will go with you.' " 

Dr. Stokes paid a beautiful tribute to these men 
when he said : "Three noble men ! Ocean Grove 
owes a debt of gratitude to them all, and as the right- 
eous shall be in everlasting remembrance, while Ocean 
sings her endless song, or the ages of eternity roll, 
they shall not be forgotten." 

The places of these members were filled by 
election at the Annual Meeting of 1873, the Rev. J. 
Reeves Daniels, a member of the Newark Conference, 
being elected to succeed the Rev. Alfred Cookman; 
the Rev. John H. Alday, M.D., in place of the Rev. Ruliff V. Law- 
rence; and James L. Hays, Esq., layman of Newark, New Jersey, in place 
of George Franklin. 

During the interval between December 22, 1869, 
when the original officers were elected, and the 
Annual Meeting in the latter part of 1873, John 
S. Inskip had been elected a vice-president and Wil- 
liam H. Boole had been elected a secretary. The 
president and treasurer remained the same. 

In 1874 Aaron E. Ballard became the third 
vice-president, and George W. Evans the third 
secretary. William B. Osborn was the first super- 
intendent of the grounds, being succeeded by Henry 
B. Beegle in 1872, and who, in 1876, was succeeded by Lewis Rainear. 




The First Sales of Lots 

After obtaining the charter, at a meeting of some of the trustees of the 
Association held during a session of the New Jersey Conference at Long 
Branch in 1870, it was decided that the members of the Association should 
have the first choice of lots and that they should meet for this purpose on the 
31st day of May, 1870. Dr. Stokes has naively said: "The history of our 
struggles to make such selections of lots for ourselves as would give satis- 
faction is fresh in the minds of all and need not be repeated." On the 1st 
day of June there was a sale to the subscribers of the choice of one hun- 
dred lots at a fixed price of $50each plus the premium for the choice. 

The bidding for the choice of lots was spirited, meeting the highest 
expectations; the aggregated premiums amounting to about $1,500. 

From that time forth there was a favorable impression of the enter- 
prise, and the fixed price of lots advanced from $50 to $75, and at the close 
of the season in 1870, 104 lots had been purchased by members of the Asso- 



30 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

ciation for their personal use, and a further sale of 269 lots had been made. 
In 1 87 1, "impelled by a sense of duty to the Association and the lot-holders 
already located," and growing out of the heavy demand for lots, the price 
advanced from $100 to $150, and then to $250. 

In this connection it will be interesting to note that Mr. James A. 
Bradley, now known throughout the length and breadth of the land as the 
"founder" of Asbury Park, was the first purchaser of a lot by choice. 

Asbury Park — Ocean Grove's next-door neighbor to the north — may 
properly be called the first outgrowth of Ocean Grove. 

Not only has it been named for the first bishop of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, Bishop Francis Asbury, but Mr. Bradley, himself a 
Methodist, purchased the acreage "to prevent its falling into the hands of 
some one who was not in sympathy" with the principles which prompted the 
formation of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association and the founding 
of Ocean Grove. 

The Story of Asbury Park 

The history of Asbury Park is interesting, and who can tell it better 
than Mr. Bradley himself? His own words are so characteristic that we 
quote rather than to write anew. Mr. Bradley says: 

"One afternoon in May, 1 870, I was walking down Broadway, New- 
York, and suddenly ran against my friend David H. Brown, Esq., treasurer 
of the Ocean Grove Association. 'How is Ocean Grove getting along?' I 
asked. 'Very fairly,' said he; 'why don't you buy a lot? Those who have 
their names put down now have first choice.' 'Well, put me down for two,' 
said I. A few days after, in company with others, we started for Ocean 
Grove. We took the boat for Port Monmouth, thence by railroad to 
Eatontown. The seashore route was opened a few days afterward. After 
dining at Mr. Brown's country house at Eatontown, we drove to Ocean 
Grove in carriages. The turnpike company had juct commenced opera- 
tions, and from Great Pond (now Deal Lake) to Ocean Grove was one of 
the worst roads that could well be imagined. I was completely taken with 
Ocean Grove and its surroundings — so much so that I purchased the first 
lot ever sold there, the premium being $85. 

"Having for some time previous been in bad health, I concluded to 
try what I had been recommended — sea air. So, a few days after purchas- 
ing the lots, taking two horses, carriage and tent, and John Baker, my col- 
ored man, I left the hum of the busy city behind to become an inhabitant of 
the wild woods, where my wearied body and brain might rest, lulled to sleep 
by the murmuring sea at night, awakened in the morning by the songs of 
birds in the pine trees surrounding my couch. 

"John and I arrived at Ocean Grove just at nightfall, and having 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 31 

gotten our horses under shelter, in a barn belonging to Charles Rogers, near 
the present Ocean Grove schoolhouse, we entered the woods and about half 
a mile off, erected our tent. It was too dark to get poles, so we hung the 
tent on the beams of what was afterward the Association Office, the first 
building ever erected in Ocean Grove. This building stood near the Audi- 
torium and was afterward torn down or removed. The building at that 
time was without roof. We were without light, and soon after lunching 
on some crackers we lay down to sleep, our heads resting on the carriage 
cushions, and our covering being the carriage blankets. So we spent our 
first night in Ocean Grove, and so began an entire change in my mode of 
life and which led eventually to an almost complete restoration to health. 

"In the morning Baker sighed and said, 'Mr. Bradley, this is a wilder- 
ness place.' He was homesick; for, let the reader, who perhaps has been 
on the same spot during the busy summer season, and heard the continuous 
click of the telegraph instrument, and seen the vast throng of men and 
maidens call for their letters when the mail arrives, remember it was far 
different on the morning of which we are writing; although it was the 
10th of June, not a soul was within hearing distance of us. I cheered him 
by saying: 'O, don't be cast down,' and soon we were eating our morning 
lunch. That finished, we proceeded to my lots on the lake, and pitched our 
small and large tents, and so we began our Crusoe life. During the day we 
occasionally saw Mr. Franklin's men, who worked about the Grove, and at 
night we were left to our solitude. Mr. Franklin's men tented on the lots 
now covered by the Hayward cottages (at the New Jersey Avenue Bridge), 
but on Sundays went to their homes in the interior of the township. 

"Baker was my steward, housekeeper, and cook. I procured a box 
and dug a hole in the ground and put it in, and that was our ice house. We 
would sometimes drive to Long Branch, six miles away, and procure food, 
principally canned goods. Foreman Franklin's men indulged more in fresh 
meats than Baker and I, so I would trade canned goods for the old- 
fashioned savory stew that gave muscle to the men who first removed briars 
and brush from Ocean Grove and made its streets. 

"One evening Baker and I took a stroll along the ocean, and I pro- 
posed a bath. Baker smiled and said, 'No, no.' 'But remember, John, 
cleanliness is next to godliness.' I took an ocean bath ; but O, how different 
from the way bathers usually enjoy the surf, the waves dashing over their 
heads. I laid down on the soft sand and allowed the water to just touch 
my body, and I can tell you, reader, it is somewhat lonely to trust your- 
self in the great ocean in the twilight and alone. After I had been lying on 
the beach for a little while I looked around to see what had become of 
Baker. He had plucked up courage and had really divested himself of 
his clothes, and, coward like myself, barely allowed the water to touch 



32 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

him. His dusky skin was somewhat in contrast with the white sand, and the 
whole scene forcibly reminded me of Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday. 

"During the Camp Meeting that took place in August we often heard 
the inquiry, 'Who owns the land on the other side of the lake?' One day 
the Rev. William B. Osborn and myself went over, and at the risk of hav- 
ing our clothes torn from our bodies, worked our way through the briars 
until we reached Sunset Lake. And, like the red man of whom we read in 
tradition, we could say, 'Alabama — here we rest,' for we stood on the banks 
of as beautiful a sheet of water as can be found anywhere. We returned 
to the Grove by way of the beach, and soon set to work to make up a com- 
pany to purchase the land. We soon learned the owner would not sell the 
land in parcels, but the purchaser must take the whole or none. Here was a 
difficulty: five hundred acres! 'Never mind,' said some; 'the more land we 
have the more profit we will have. Our company was to consist of eight 
persons, some of whom were very enthusiastic; but alas! when the cool 
nights of autumn came along, it chilled their enthusiasm, and their ex- 
ample had its chilling effect on me. But 1 often thought of the matter, and 
as soon as I heard that Bishop Simpson, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
urged the Ocean Grove Association to purchase it, to prevent its falling into 
the hands of some one who was not in sympathy with the enterprise they 
had in their hands, I called on David H. Brown, and proposed he should 
join me in the purchase by taking one eighth, the price asked being about 
$90,000. 'No,' said he. 'I am determined to have nothing to do with any 
enterprise in that neighborhood that would seem to place me in an in- 
consistent position, as I am now treasurer of the Ocean Grove Association. 
This I will do : 1 will write to every member of the Association, and if they 
say buy, I am inclined to think I shall not oppose it, although 1 think we 
have enough land now. But if they do not buy it, you can. And as you 
wish me to negotiate the purchase, I will so do on condition that you 
advance the requisite amount to secure the property, and if the Association 
decides to take it, your money to be refunded. We are to have a week's 
option to consider the matter.' A majority of the Association decided not 
to purchase the land, although some urged it very strongly; so the property- 
became mine — I, at the same time, assuring them that the property would 
be resold only to such parties as would appreciate the situation of the place. 
After the purchase, the briars before alluded to, with the tangled under- 
brush, were removed at a cost of several thousand dollars. And very few 
would now suppose that the choice spots upon which are now erected 
beautiful cottages was so recently a jungle. 

"As stated previously, it was supposed that immense profits would 
result from the purchase of the land known as Asbury Park, but the man 
who has tried to meet every emergency that has risen is wiser now than 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 33 

when he first risked a fortune in an entirely new and untried scheme. 
There was not, so far as he knew, a seaside resort, an incorporated town, 
on the American continent or in Europe, where in the deeds the sale of in- 
toxicating liquor was prohibited. 'With your restrictions you can never 
make a seaside resort a success so near New York,' said the timid and 
the croakers, but the founder of Asbury Park, with an intense and life- 
long hatred of the licmor traffic, has given hundreds and hundreds of deeds 
which are on record at the County Clerk's office, and contain a protest 
against the curse of society which the American people strangely allow to 
exist; and yet Asbury Park, notwithstanding, did grow, and its success has 
been so great that the anti-liquor clause is now a feature in the deeds of 
many seaside resorts started on the New Jersey coast." 

Not only was there friendly protective interest to Ocean Grove on the 
north, but likewise the same on the south. Another Methodist, Bradner 
by name, from Newark, New Jersey, purchased the tract south of Fletcher 
Lake, later acquired by Mr. Bradley, the founder of Asbury Park, and 
now known as Bradley Beach. 

During the first year — in 1870 — large numbers of men and teams were 
engaged in clearing that portion of the ground between Main Avenue and 
Wesley Lake, and the turnpike and the ocean. Ocean Pathway, two hun- 
dred feet at the grove and three hundred feet wide at the ocean, and fifteen 
hundred feet long, was graded and laid with gravel walks, with a "beautiful 
highway through the center ten feet wide reaching directly to the surf." 
It was necessary to trim about forty thousand trees, cut out and remove 
dead trees, go through the grove with brush hooks, and to cart out hundreds 
of loads of brush to be burned upon the clearings. The opening of the 
avenues on the beach from the grove to the surf, which was also done, 
helped greatly in the sale of the beach lots. 

Much grading of the land and some drainage was required in laying 
out the grounds. To begin with, an immense sand bank, poetically named 
"Sea Drift Heights," extended across Ocean Grove from Wesley to 
Fletcher Lakes, following a course where the Model of Jerusalem and the 
Young People's Temple now stand. This must have been from twelve to 
fifteen feet high. By degrees this was removed, some of the sand being used 
to fill in the low ground on Ocean Pathway, and some to fill in the lots of 
the lessees. 

With a keen foresight for the comfort of those who might come, a 

small icehouse had been filled and the contents sold during the summer 

for $150. 

Restrictions 

Much has been said and written about the "Restrictions" at Ocean 
Grove. These so-called restrictions were simply designed for mutual pro- 



34 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

tectfon. From the beginning it was said: "Those who violate a rule for 
what may seem to their advantage to-day may have a similar ride violated 
to-morrow by others which will prove to their great disadvantage. Adher- 
ence to the old gospel precept, 'All things whatsoever ye would that 
men should do to you, do ye even so to them,' is all we ask in regard to our 
regulations here." 

Everyone in accepting a lease from the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting 
Association agreed in advance to these regulations. None of them was un- 
reasonable. 

The superintendent was required to rigidly enforce the rules that 
cottages should not, without the written consent of the Association, be 
occupied except during the season from May 15 to October 30. The 
cottages were light and combustible, and to occupy them in cold weather 
required more heat than safety allowed ; it was therefore feared a violation 
of the rule would lead to the destruction of property. The reasonableness 
of this soon became apparent to all. So far as is known no proper and 
responsible person ever has been denied the privilege of remaining. This 
rule is still enforced, though changed living conditions and modern houses 
make it possible in most instances to permit all-year-round occupancy. 

Another rule relates to the transfer of leaseholds from one owner to 
another. This rule — a charter provision, amplified in the by-laws — stipu- 
lates that property may be transferred only to those "who may be vouched 
for as of good moral character and in sympathy with the objects of this 
Association." 

A rule that has called forth much comment is that requiring the gates 
to be closed on the Sabbath. Of this, Dr. Stokes said at the very beginning, 
"We are a religious place and a religious people." To the thoughtful peo- 
ple the Sabbath quiet is one of the chief attractions of Ocean Grove. 

To correct many misapprehensions concerning these "restrictions," 
there was published by order of the Association in July, 1875, five thousand 
copies of a "Hand Book of Rules to be observed at Ocean Grove" — a little 
pamphlet of eight pages. These were distributed throughout the Grove and 
resulted in a more thorough observance of the regulations than ever before, 
and it is said the universal sentiment appeared to be, "Keep your rules 
without alteration or abatement." 

Always there has been an almost universal disposition on the part of the 
proprietors of the large hotels and boarding houses to comply with the 
regulations of the place. 

Dancing and card-playing have not been encouraged. On one occasion, 
many years ago, one of the policemen in requiring a couple of young men to 
desist from a game of cards was met with the question indignantly proposed, 
"Don't this Association allow us to play cards upon their grounds?" 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 35 

The policeman respectfully answered "No." 

"Well," continued the young men, still more indignant, "they are the 
narrowest-minded and most bigoted set of men we ever heard of." 

"That is your view from your standpoint," said the policeman, and 
continued : "I think that instead of being narrow-minded or bigoted, that 
they are very liberal, for they have established this place on different prin- 
ciples, and for entirely different purposes, and they pass no law requiring 
you to come, and after you have come, if you do not like it, there is nothing 
to compel you to stay." 

The restrictions and regulations were often criticized by those who 
knew nothing about them. Nothing is required but what is right, and so 
long as persons coming to Ocean Grove elect to do right they do not know 
a restriction on their liberty exists. 

Object of Organization 

On one occasion, Dr. Stokes felt called upon to say : 

"It is important now to call even more special attention to the object 
of this organization — and it is a pleasure to me to say that it is preeminently 
Religious. All the members of our Association must be members of the 
Christian Church. The aim of the Association has been and is to keep its 
eye to the glory of God. This is its primary object — this is its great leading 
design. The lands we have laid on Christ's altar ; our meetings are to pro- 
mote the highest forms of religious life. These things we have never con- 
cealed, but have labored to make public everywhere. Those who come 
among us come with this understanding, and so long as they see and have 
sympathy with our objects we welcome all, of every name. If they do not 
see and feel with us, the world is wide, and we wish them well." 

In 1883 the New York Sun paid this tribute: "The remarkable suc- 
cess of this place as a summer resort is attributable in a great measure to 
the attraction of the camp meeting, the remarkable beauty of the locality, 
and the firmness of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association in enfor- 
cing the laws and regulations of their charter concerning the sale of intoxi- 
cating liquors and beverages, and the suppression of amusements of a char- 
acter classed as immoral by the Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church." 

LAND AND TITLES 

"Up to the time of the first prayer meeting 1 there had been no pur- 
chase of lands save the one third of a third of one hundred acres, fishing 
tract, directly along the surf, of Britton White, for $50. It was eleven 
acres of sand, nothing more, nothing less — just as good and pure sand as 
the world produces!" 

1 See Appendix, page 281. 



36 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

The question of titles became one of increasing anxiety, but in 1872 
Dr. Stokes was in position to report to the Association that the various per- 
plexing interests had been finally arranged and that the Association had 
acquired an acreage having an exact measurement of 230-89/100 acres. 
The total cost of the lands was $39,368.35, thus averaging $170.51 per 
acre, to which, when the expense incurred in perfecting the titles had been 
added, would bring the average cost to approximately $200 per acre. 

Naturally, the payment of so large a sum of money as this had been a 
heavy drain upon the resources of the Association from the beginning, and 
Dr. Stokes pointed out that these, with their extended outlays, were a "suffi- 
cient explanation to the thoughtful as to why the public improvements were 
not even greater than they are." 

When it is remembered that the first and only resource of the Asso- 
ciation was the small sum of $650 x contributed by the founders at the time 
of forming the organization and that it was thereafter dependent upon the 
sale of leaseholds for funds from which to pay for the property and to 
improve it, it seems marvelous that so much was accomplished. 

At the Annual Meeting of 1876 Dr. Stokes reported to the Association 
that "during the past year all of our numerous titles to lands in our pos- 
session have been adjusted and perfected ; nothing in this line, so far as we 
know, remains unsettled." During the same time the balance of the lands 
had been surveyed and laid out in lots; avenues had been opened, graded, 
and curbed wherever lots were sold. 

It was also recommended that Fletcher Lake be cleared out, beautified, 
and "made navigable for small boats as far out as the railroad, so that, 
should a depot be located there, persons can receive and convey their friends 
by boat to a point near their homes." 

As it became apparent that some were purchasing lots intending to 
allow them to remain without improvements, "to great disadvantage of their 
neighbors and Association," it was recommended that the ten per cent cash 
discount allowed in the sale of lots be withdrawn unless the purchasers 
proceeded to improve their lots within a specified time. By the purchase in 
1 88 1 of a tract of seven to eight acres running down into the center of 
Fletcher Lake, the entire body of the lake and both shores, with the excep- 
tion of possibly two hundred or three hundred feet, was acquired by the 

Association. 

How Water Was Found 

The water question was, in the beginning, one of great anxiety. There 

was plenty of water in the sea, in the lakes — all around — but where was 

there water to drink? There were no springs, no living fresh water 

streams. The prospects were discouraging. Sunset Lake seemed to be the 

1 See page 25. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



37 



most feasible source, but that was too far off. Finally attention was called 
to the tube pump, and it was thought it might work here. It was tried, 
and proved a triumphant success. 

The first pump driven in Ocean Grove was in June, 1870. It is located 
between the Tabernacle and Young People's Temple, near the corner of Pil- 
grim Pathway and Mount Carmel Way. With the improving conditions 
in that locality the present octagon structure was erected over it. From 




that time it has been called "Beersheba" — "because at the beginnmg, when 
we drove this well, we covenanted together to keep these grounds for God." 
Later a new and improved pump by which four or five persons could drink 
at the same time was placed in the pavilion, that all might drink from the 
well of Beersheba and carry away with them pleasant memories of its sweet- 
ness; and still later the drinking fountains were connected with the artesian 
wells. 

In the construction of the new Association Building it was decided to 
dig a well in the cellar nine feet in diameter, and from it to pump water to 
a wooden tank having a capacity of twenty-seven hundred gallons located 
in the third story of the building. 



38 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

Sufficient water was secured at a depth of thirteen feet for this purpose, 
and the pumping was done by a little hot-air engine and double acting pump. 
From the tank two lines of 2-inch pipe were laid, one running up Mount 
Hermon Way to Delaware Avenue, and one down Olin Street to Central 
Avenue, where hose connections were placed. A pipe was also laid along 
Pilgrim Pathway to the Auditorium, where water was supplied for the 
fountain and for the care of the grounds and flowers, and to the gas tubs 
for gas-making purposes. The pump capacity was fifteen thousand gallons 
of water per day. 

Prejudice, the outgrowth of ignorance, is difficult to contend with. 
Ocean Grove had to contend with both in the matter of its water supply. 
It was frequently declared — and many were ready to believe the declara- 
tion — that there would be a failure of the water supply. The question was 
asked, with an air of triumphant satisfaction, "What will you do then/" 

While all this was as remote from actual facts as well could be, the 
question had to be met as though it were sober truth. Furthermore, addi- 
tional water for fire and sewer purposes was needed. Then a company was 
organized for the purpose of securing an adequate supply, but after numer- 
ous meetings, discussions, and some expenditure of money, the company 
dissolved. Some of the trustees of Ocean Grove, however, held tenaciously 
to the thought that a water supply was beneath their feet. In 1882 the 
matter was brought before the Annual Meeting of the Association, and in 
December of that year a proposal was received to sink a well six inches in 
diameter and sixty feet deep just south of the icehouse. It was later de- 
cided to bore one hundred feet if necessary. At a depth of one hundred 
feet it was resolved to bore fifty feet deeper. While still boring through 
impervious blue clay the State geologist sent geological charts with the 
urgent request that the boring be continued, and accompanied by the assur- 
ance that water would be found at a depth of two hundred and fifty feet. 

At the session of the semiannual meeting in May, 1883, having bored 
two hundred feet, further instructions were asked from the Association. 
Already $1,500 had been expended; to stop with the probability of water 
in close vicinity would not only be an actual loss of that amount, but a dis- 
couragement to all future efforts. It was resolved to go fifty feet further, 
and still on, at the discretion of the Executive Committee. At two hundred 
and seventy-five feet stiff blue clay was still being encountered. The Board 
decided to go twenty-five feet farther, then fifty feet if necessary, and finally, 
in apparent utter desperation "until water should be found." At two hun- 
dred and eighty-five feet a thin stratum of sand and shells was reached and 
a slight flow of water. "It was like an oasis in the desert to swollen feet 
and blistered lips of weary travelers." Naturally, there was jubilation and 
an increase in faith. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 39 

The boring was recommenced, and having passed through seven feet 
of sand without any increase of water, the same kind of stiff, blue clay was 
again reached. This was discouraging, for, with slight variations, this con- 
tinued for weeks and even months, and became both expensive and an ex- 
treme test of faith and patience. Never quite losing courage, however, the 
work was kept on under the inspiration and a sort of slogan — "Water or 
China." 

Finally through oak land soils — through pine land soils, through the 
upper marl bed, through the red sand bed — through the lower marl bed, at a 
depth of four hundred feet laminated sands were found according to the 
geological chart and water was again reached. The flow, however, was 
small and the difficulties of developing very many. 

A four-inch iron pipe four hundred feet long was sunk to the bottom 
of the bore. One and one half inch iron pipe four hundred feet long was 
placed inside the four inch pipe for the purpose of forcing water down by 
means of a steam engine, to wash out the sand and form a cavity at the 
bottom. The experiment was not at first successful. The small pipe met 
an obstruction and would not go to the bottom. The machinery broke; 
the men became discouraged — almost demoralized. To fail now would 
be not only failure to us but a blight on all the efforts to secure water all 
along the New Jersey coast. Ocean Grove was laboring for others as well 
as for herself. 

At last, a final effort was made to sink the small pipe to the bottom. 
Late in the afternoon of August 10 something gave way four hundred feet 
below and the small pipe sank twenty feet through the sand to the bottom 
of the bore. Immediately the fire engine threw a stream of water from 
Fletcher Lake into the well and a wash of sand and water came up — "a 
cart load or two in fifteen or twenty minutes." In half an hour the engine 
stopped, but the sand and water continued to flow of their own pressure. 
Interest grew and was intensified while the water and sand continued to 
roll out from a depth of four hundred and twenty feet of their own force. 
Hope had been so long deferred and the heart had been so often sick, that 
the realization of the long cherished desire seemed more like a dream. 

As the water continued to flow, measurements were made to make 
sure there was no mistake. Then a barrel was placed ; forty-two gallons 
flowed in just one minute. The following morning the water was still flow- 
ing, and crowds had gathered from all quarters to offer congratulations. 
The flow had also increased to a barrel of water in fifty seconds. By actual 
test it was found the water would rise twenty-eight feet above the surface 
of the ground. After some consultation it was decided to lead the water 
through an iron pipe one thousand feet across to the turnpike, just north 
of the head of Fletcher Lake and form a fountain that it might be seen by 



40 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



all, and until it should be determined how best to utilize the flow. This 
was done, and the fountain flashed in the sun for the first time on Saturday 
morning, August 25, 1883, while the gathered multitude sang with grate- 
ful hearts, "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow." 




A careful analysis of the water has proved it to be the best of any 
water subsequently found along the Jersey Coast. 



No Mosquitoes 

At this time of Ocean Grove's anniversary it is well to remember a 
practical incident bearing on its location. 

The present site had been carefully considered, but because of its gen- 
erally wretched unsightliness had been deemed so unpromising as to be 
unworthy of further consideration. Another location, near Cape May, was 
selected and a committee of which the Rev. Robert J. Andrews and the 
Rev. William B. Osborn were members, visited the place prepared to 
purchase the land at once. But something occurred to prevent closing the 
deal until the day following their arrival, and they were obliged to remain 
overnight. This apparently trifling circumstance caused an entire change 
of plan. 



OCEAN GROVE is free from the 
Salt Marsh Mosquitoes of New 
Jersey. ' 



Su ssex 



4 



Jerse-u C\t*{ 



Map prepared by Dr. John 
B. Smith, State entomologist. 

Heavy shading indicates 
the salt marshes, and the 
light shading the migration 
of the salt-marsh mosquitoes. 




OCEAN GROVE THE 

ONLY WHITE SPOT ON 

THE NEW JERSEY COAST 



The Mosquito Map 



42 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

During the night Andrews said to Osborn, "There is one thing we 
have forgotten." 

"What is that?" said Osborn. 

"The mosquitoes" replied Andrews. "We don't want to buy the 
mosquitoes." 

"That's so," said Osborn. Long before the night was over the com- 
mittee decided that it had not come to "buy the mosquitoes," and with the 
appearance of daylight the deal was declared off. Back they came and 
reconsidered the abandoned site, with the result that Ocean Grove was 
located where it now is, within reach in twenty-four hours or less of more 
than forty millions of the people of the United States and Canada. 

There were no "mosquito maps" in those days to be consulted, but a 
reference now to such a map issued by the State of New Jersey, shows that 
Ocean Grove and its vicinity as about the only location along the New 
Jersey shore which is free from mosquitoes. Who will say there was no 
overruling Providence in the selection of this location? 

A study of the official record of 1869 shows that for the property now 
occupied by Ocean Grove, Asbury Park, and as far south as to take in a 
part of Sea Girt, the assessments aggregated a total of $23,500. Ten years 
later, in 1879, the same property with its improvements was assessed at 
$2,065,308 — and all this happened during a period of financial depression 
unparalleled in the history of the country. This was acknowledged "with 
grateful emotions," and it was all attributed "under God, to the influence 
of the Church of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 

"It is now clearly revealed," said Dr. Stokes on a later occasion, "that 
we have on our hands a vast and responsible enterprise, vastly greater than 
was at first anticipated, and, unless I greatly mistake, far beyond what our 
present comprehensions grasp." 

Constant improvements have been made until to-day Ocean Grove 
alone is assessed at about $4,500,000, while the same territory as was 
assessed in 1869 at $23,500 is now assessed at $121,694,679 (1918 ratings). 

THE RELIGIOUS SERVICES 

The first religious service, as already stated, held at Ocean Grove 
was in a tent on a spot in Thompson Park (now Founders' Park) marked 
by a vase. A few days later it was decided to hold a "kind of camp meet- 
ing." The spot chosen was a little east of Pilgrim Pathway. "Two loads 
of boards were hauled from Long Branch. Pine logs were cut, and on 
these the boards were placed for seats. A stand rude as could be, holding 
three or four persons; a little straw scattered around, invitations sent to a 
few people of the neighborhood — and all was ready for the first camp 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 43 

meeting. Edgar Orville Howland, of Troy, New York, an exhorter, held 
the first religious service at this little Camp Meeting. The theme of his 
discourse being 'Partakers of Christ,' suggested by Hebrews 11. 14. The 
congregation numbered thirty to forty persons." 

First Camp Meeting 

The first real Camp Meeting commenced Tuesday, July 26, and closed 
Friday, August 5, 1870. "It was well attended; the weather was delight- 
ful, the order perfect, the influence from its inception to its close heavenly 
and divine." 

To accommodate this meeting and that of the succeeding year, tents 
were hired from the Round Lake Association. 

At the Camp Meeting in 1874 "over two hundred ministers were 
present during the meeting, and most of them in some way took part in the 
exercises." 

In 1 88 1, on Camp Meeting Sunday, the Auditorium was crowded to 
its limit while the Rev. G. Lansing Taylor preached. The Tabernacle was 
full, where the Rev. J. S. Inskip preached; likewise the Temple, where 
Dr. Ballard conducted the services; and at Ross's Pavilion (now the North 
End) on the beach, where Dr. Munhall preached. 

Much might be said about the Camp Meetings, but space will not 
permit: How the greatest preachers of the day have been the preachers on 
those occasions; not only bishops and clergy of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, North and South, but many distinguished preachers of other de- 
nominations, and from foreign countries. Practically all of the greatest 
preachers of the day and generation have spoken in the Auditorium on one 
or more occasions. 

Somewhat of a departure from the usual plan of conducting the Camp 
Meetings was adopted in 191 5, when the evening preaching services at the 
Camp Meeting were in charge of the Rev. George Wood Anderson, until 
recently pastor of the Elm Park Methodist Episcopal Church of Scranton, 
Pennsylvania, and who resigned to engage in evangelistic service. 

Dr. Anderson, during the Billy Sunday campaign at Scranton, was 
in charge of the personal workers, and thereafter, it is said, felt called to 
engage especially in evangelistic work. It may be mentioned that he came 
as a stranger to nearly all who listened to him at Ocean Grove, but his 
departure was marked by all the tokens of sincere friendship and esteem. 

The attendance at all the evening services was larger than for several 
years past, and the attention given by the people to the preaching was more 
apparent. To be sure, there was the added interest in the services caused 
by the presence of the large choir under the leadership of Mr. Homer 
Rodeheaver, a circumstance which was frankly acknowledged by Dr. 



44 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



Anderson himself, who observed naively near the conclusion of the first 
service and before the people had become fully acquainted with him, "I 
know you have come to hear Mr. Rodeheaver and the choir and not to listen 
to me." But while this may have been in a measure true, for the reason 
that the work of Dr. Anderson was unknown to the vast majority at Ocean 
Grove, the few remarks he had already made had won the hearts of his 
hearers, and there was a response, unheard but nevertheless real, "But 

we are remaining to listen to 
you preach the gospel." And 
this the Deople continued to 
do through every service, until 
even at the closing service 
of Sunday night the great 
Auditorium was filled to over- 
flowing, hundreds of those who 
could not obtain seats standing 
throughout the entire preaching 
of the sermon. 

It is a cause of real re- 
gret that there is not space to 
reprint the sermons for the 
benefit of those who could not 
be present, but from first to 
last, and with growing appre- 
ciation, the people listened with 
great attentiveness to the 
preaching of the word. 

Dr. Anderson's presenta- 
tions of his subjects were made 
in a unique but dignified manner, and his earnestness and sincerity won 
him the closest attention of his hearers. It is not for us to count the re- 
sults of his labors at Ocean Grove — that will never be fully known here — 
but many have carried away with them a strengthened purpose to profit by 
what they have heard from Dr. Anderson. 

Mr. Rodeheaver at Ocean Grove 

The story of how Mr. Rodeheaver came to Ocean Grove to lead the 
Camp Meeting singing in 19 15 may be of interest to the many thousands 
who attended the services. 

The musical director of Ocean Grove — Mr. Tali Esen Morgan — and 
Mr. Rodeheaver had been friends for years. During the early stages of the 
Billy Sunday campaign in Philadelphia Mr. Morgan called on his friend 




THE REV. GEORGE WOOD ANDERSON 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



45 



Rodeheaver at Philadelphia. On that occasion, at the evening service, Mr. 
Morgan was introduced by Mr. Rodeheaver to the Philadelphia Taber- 




MR. MORGAN AND MR. RODEHEAVER 



nacle Choir in which he found many of his Ocean Grove chorus singers, 
and was invited to lead the singing of one or more of the hymns. 

It was on this evening that Mr. Morgan gained the impression that 
Mr, Rodeheaver would like to pay a visit to Ocean Grove during the Camp 



46 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



Meeting, and that he might perhaps he induced to assist with the sing- 
ing. 

A few days later a meeting was arranged at Philadelphia by Mr. 
Morgan, the invitation was extended and informally accepted, and later 
the resolution was adopted, directing Mr. Morgan to extend the formal 
invitation on behalf of the Association. And so it came to pass that Mr. 
Rodeheaver was here. 

A Remarkable Constellation 

Many a musical star of distinguished magnitude and brilliancy has 
shone upon Ocean Grove during the past fifty years. Each season too has 
had one or more constellations whose meteoric splendor or clear and steady 
radiance has illuminated our sky with fine effect. To the latter class be- 
longs an unusual group shown in the accompanying picture. Each of the 




OCEAN GROVE S MUSICAL LEADERS 



individuals that make it up is so well known to Auditorium congregations as 
to be quickly and pleasantly recognized by large numbers of our readers. 
Of one this is particularly true; for even with his face turned almost wholly 
from us, there is no mistaking the "man who made the music go" in Ocean 
Grove for nearly twenty years, the popular and efficient director, Tali Esen 
Morgan. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 47 

Of the other five, the central place and foremost mention belong to the 
veteran singer and composer, Dr. William J. Kirkpatrick, whose name, 
along with that of Sweeney, was familiar for many years upon the covers 
of the songbooks annually introduced in the summer services here. White 
hairs have come to Dr. Kirkpatrick; but such hymns as "Lord, I'm Coming 
Home" and " 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus," written by him and sung 
the country over, can never grow old. 

Homer Rodeheaver, next on the right, is distinctly a man of the present 
generation. Young, earnest, magnetic, he is perhaps the best known con- 
ductor of gospel music now living. His help in the Billy Sunday campaigns 
has everywhere contributed immeasurably to their success. 

Among the numberless religious songs produced during the past 
quarter century, not one has met with such instant success and overwhelm- 
ing popularity as the "Glory Song." At the extreme right in the group 
stands its composer, Charles H. Gabriel. But it is not only by this one 
effort that Mr. Gabriel is known. The thousands who heard the Paterson 
Choir — and afterward the Ocean Grove Chorus — sing "Sail On" and "All 
Hail! Immanuel" do not need to be told that in him we have a composer 
of unusual gifts; while his "Brighten the Corner Where You Are" probably 
has been sung oftener, in public and in private, than any other hymn. 

Clarence Reynolds, next to Dr. Kirkpatrick on our left, needs no 
introduction to anyone who has been in Ocean Grove. As official organist 
and a musician of extraordinary powers, for several years his daily render- 
ings of that marvelous production, "The Storm," have given more pleasure 
and caused more admiring wonder than any other one thing that Ocean 
Grove has offered to its visitors. 

Artistic talent does not always run in families, but one can feel no sur- 
prise that Charles H. Gabriel, Jr., who, at the end on the left, completes the 
group, should be a musician of exceptional ability and rising reputation. 

Was not the assembling of such a company as this upon our platform a 
noteworthy event? 

The coming of the Paterson Tabernacle Choir to Ocean Grove on 
Saturday, August 21, 19 15, to assist on that occasion in the Camp 
Meeting singing under the direction of Mr. Rodeheaver — affectionately 
called "Rodey" by his choirs and those who know him — was an event never 
before equaled in the history of Ocean Grove. One has only to comprehend 
that there were one thousand singers of this great organization present on 
that occasion, not to mention the hundreds of friends who came with them 
in two long special trains, to understand the magnitude of the undertaking. 

That this large number of singers came all the way from Paterson to 
Ocean Grove altogether at their own expense, to participate in the afternoon 
song service and to sing at the evening preaching service, is a remarkable 



4 8 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

tribute to their former leader and an indication of at least one of the lasting 
results of the Sunday Campaign at Paterson, particularly when one realizes 
that to do this they had to arise at five o'clock in the morning and could not 
get back before midnight. 

Large choruses have come to Ocean Grove on many other occasions to 
sing in the Auditorium, and many oratorios have been rendered there, but 
nothing like this has ever occurred before. The singers filled the immense 
choir loft and occupied in addition two entire sections on each side of the 
gallery beyond the choir seats, while the two center sections on the main 
floor were reserved for their friends. 

Words cannot describe the volume of sacred song that rose and fell 
from this great body of singers, while the effect upon the congregation, 
which filled the Auditorium to its capacity and stood in rows outside the 
doorways, was to change the old time "Amen" to joyful clapping of hands. 
Nothing within the history of the great building, which has been the Audi- 
torium for the last twenty years, has quite equaled this. 

On this occasion Mr. Rodeheaver, as he frequently does, introduced 
some of his friends to the Paterson choir, among them Mr. Tali Esen 
Morgan, the musical director of Ocean Grove, who responded with a few 
appropriate remarks, saying that he hoped next year there would be a 
"Paterson Day," when the Tabernacle choir would come again. To this 
there was a ready response by the choir itself, in which the congregation 
joined. 

Billy Sunday at Ocean Grove 

Ocean Grove congregations are composed of people from all parts of 
the United States, with frequently some from overseas. This occasion 
of his first visit here enabled him to reach many who, in the natural course 
of events, never would have heard him, and through these to extend the 
influence of his sermons to many more who could not themselves be present. 

The coming of Billy Sunday and his work throughout the Camp 
Meeting of 191 6 were so much of the nature of an innovation that unusual 
interest attaches both to the comparatively small details of the event and to 
the summing up — so far as such can be made — of its results. 

The Sunday party arrived at Ocean Grove shortly after five o'clock 
on the afternoon of Friday, August 25, having traveled by automobile from 
Philadelphia by way of Trenton. Although warm, fatigued, and dusty, 
they proceeded directly to the Auditorium, where a large concourse of 
people eagerly awaited them. Their reception was enthusiastic, though 
neither prolonged nor very formal. Mr. Sunday was welcomed by the 
president of the Association and the mayors of the adjacent towns. He 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



49 



replied cordially, briefly but very distinctly stating his purpose in coming 
here and then withdrew during the singing of a song led by Mr. Rode- 
heaver. 

Very little special preparation of the Auditorium for the series of 
services was required. In the middle of the large platform a smaller one, 
at a slight elevation, was erected for Mr. Sunday's own and sole use. The 
pulpit was removed and its place supplied by a neat pine preaching-desk, 

made expressly for 
the purpose. Sus- 
pended overhead 
was the audiphone 
of the somewhat 
peculiar shape which 
Mr. Sunday has 
found especially ef- 
fective and which is 
everywhere a part of 
his necessary equip- 
ment. 

The camp meet- 
ing singing was led 
by Mr. Rodeheaver, 
who has been Mr. 
Sunday's chorister, 
accompanying him 
in his evangelistic 
campaigns, for the 
last seven years. 
Other interesting 
features were the 
presence of the 
Paterson Taber- 
nacle Choir on Sat- 
urday, August 26, 
and of the Trenton Tabernacle Choir on Tuesday, August 29, to partici- 
pate in the singing under the leadership of "Rodey." These occasions were 
in the nature of reunions of the members of the choirs. Every one who 
was at Ocean Grove and heard the singing of the Paterson Choir, which 
came one thousand strong to sing at the Camp Meeting service, will remem- 
ber it as a notable occasion. 

Miss Grace Saxe, who has been a member of Mr. Sunday's staff of 
assistants in his recent campaigns, was also at Ocean Grove during the 




THE REV. WILLIAM A. SUNDAY 



50 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 




Camp Meeting and gave Bible 
readings and directed a Bible 
Class each day. Miss Alice Mir- 



HOMER A. RODEHEAVER 



iam Gamlin, also a member of the 
Sunday party, directed the work 
for the children. 

While the coming of Mr. Sun- 
day and his helpers necessitated 
some changes in the methods of 
conducting the annual Camp 
Meeting, it was confidently believed that the results to be achieved justi- 
fied so radical a deviation from the methods hitherto employed. 

The choir gallery at the rear of 
the platform was reserved for the 
large and ever-growing chorus. The 
"ministerial seats" on the platform 
were placed as close together as pos- 
sible, and in addition to these a section 
on the ground floor was reserved for 
clergymen, who were present in large 
numbers at every service. 





MISS ALICE M. GAMLIN 

in the Garden," "The Mercies of God,' 



MISS GRACE SAXE 

Mr. Sunday's first sermon was 
preached on Saturday morning, Au- 
gust 26, on the text : "As the Lord 
liveth, even what my God saith, that 
will I speak." The subjects of the 
succeeding discourses, in the order of 
their delivery, were as follows: "The 
Sins of Society," "The Three Groups 
The Ten Commandments," 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 51 

"The Lack of Vision," "What Must I Do to Be Saved?" "No Man Cared 
For My Soul," "What Will You Do With Jesus?", "The Holy Spirit," 
"The Atonement," "Hope," "Think on These Things," "Dr. Jekyll and 
Mr. Hyde," "The Unpardonable Sin," "Home," "How Shall We Es- 
cape?", "Family Religion," "Chickens Come Home to Roost," and "What 
Shall the End Be?" At both morning and evening services, day after day, 
the Auditorium was crowded literally to overflowing, hundreds of persons, 
unable to get seats, usually standing several rows deep both without the 
doors and along the wall of the building. 

On the first Saturday an excursion of more than two thousand per- 
sons, mostly members of Billy Sunday's Tabernacle Choir in their city, 
came from Paterson to take part in the services. Seats were reserved for 
them in the choir galleries, and their singing made the day and evening not- 
able. On the following Thursday, August 31, a similar delegation of 
thirteen carloads from Philadelphia arrived, too late for special participa- 
tion in the morning service, but contributing much delight by their singing 
in the evening. 

At every meeting sections of seats were reserved for delegations from 
neighboring churches of various denominations, numerous other organiza- 
tions, and trade representatives. On one evening special arrangements 
were made for the accommodation of the hotel and boarding-house "help," 
many hundreds of whom availed themselves of such an opportunity, mark- 
ing this occasion as one of the most extraordinary of the campaign. 

As to the results of the meetings, it is obviously impossible to speak in 
terms of the concrete. Cards to the number of 1,949 were signed by persons 
who, by so doing and taking the evangelist by the hand, signified their de- 
termination to lead a new life in Jesus Christ. But no one can seriously 
regard these as representing the total good accomplished. 

When Billy Sunday agreed to come to Ocean Grove he gave up nearly 
two weeks (including time required for travel) of his much-needed sum- 
mer rest period to do so. This he did under no financial contract and with 
no assurance of pecuniary remuneration for his services. No canvass or 
special effort to raise money, such as is usually made where a campaign is 
held, was employed here. Yet, so great was the appreciation of the earnest 
services of these nine days, that the free will offering, as announced by the 
Association, amounted to $6,076,91 — a larger sum, in proportion to the time 
covered, than has been raised in any of the big cities. Out of this, as many 
already know, Mr. Sunday purchased a desirable summer home at Ocean 
Grove, which he presented to an old minister who had been his valued 
friend and associate in evangelistic work. 

As a further expression of grateful appreciation, the following resolu- 
tions were drafted and a copy presented to Mr. Sunday: 



52 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

The members of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association and other persons 
assembled on Sunday, September 3, 1916, hereby extend to Rev. William A. Sunday 
their gratitude: 

1. For giving to the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting nine days of his vacation 
time, which means so much to such an indefatigible worker. 

2. For the informing, doctrinal, convincing and timely sermons which he has 
preached with faithfulness, earnestness, and effectiveness. 

3. For the methods that have brought such large audiences to hear the gospel 
and led so many to come to Christ to have their spiritual needs supplied. 

4. For bringing with his corps of workers Homer A. Rodeheaver, whose genial 
spirit, singing, and leadership have done much toward making the Camp Meeting 
of 191 6 so successful. 

We commend Mr. Sunday, his family, and associate workers to the care of 
our Heavenly Father and the favor of those among whom they may labor. 

The Meeting for Men Only 

In accordance with Mr. Sunday's custom elsewhere, a meeting for 
men only was announced for Sunday afternoon, September 3, in the Audi- 
torium at I :3c Although the hour designated would be an inconvenient 
one in that it would interfere with the Sunday dinner, it was suggested that 
the men might on this occasion eat a later breakfast and go without the 
midday meal. 

Long before the doors of the Auditorium were opened great crowds of 
men had assembled outside the building, which, as the hour of the meeting 
approached, were augmented by the arrival of delegations of certain societies 
and from various localities, for which seats had been reserved. 

When the doors were opened the vast throng entered without con- 
fusion or disorder and quickly filled the building. During the service there 
were a few vacant seats in the choir gallery which were not easily reached 
from the floor of the Auditorium, but many more than enough to fill these 
seats were obliged to stand throughout the entire service for lack of seats. 

The presence of enough men in the Auditorium at one time to more 
than fill every seat in the great building, at an hour which made it necessary 
for them to go without their Sunday dinner, at once fixed the occasion as a 
most notable one and demonstrated that the men responded to the interest 
Mr. Sunday had taken in them. 

While awaiting the arrival of Mr. Sunday, and during the song serv- 
ice, Mr. Rodeheaver introduced the various societies and delegations by ask- 
ing them to stand, and extended a cordial word of greeting. At the con- 
clusion of each introduction, Mr. Rodeheaver would ask, "What hymn do 
you like best?" Some of the answers created some merriment, because the 
crowd quickly saw the appropriateness of the selections. 

The Spring Lake Firemen's favorite was "Rescue the Perishing"; the 
Ocean Grove Firemen chose "I Want to See Jesus, Don't You?" The 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



53 



Belmar Board of Trade, where "Rody" said the life saving station was 
located, called for "Throw Out the Life Line." The Soda Water Clerks 
selected "There Is a Fountain," which led to a short but earnest exhorta- 
tion from Mr. Rodeheaver, not only to this delegation but to all the men 
present. "Over the Line" was announced by the Asbury Park Fishing 
Club, while the always popular "Brighten the Corner" proved to be appro- 
priate for the Neptune Building and Loan Association. 

Each delegation in time called for its favorite hymn, but not all can 
be repeated here. Many of them were sung, and by the time Mr. Sunday 





THE REV. PAUL RADER 



THE REV. MELVIN E. TROTTER 



stepped forward upon the platform, the entire audience was in a happy 
frame of mind and ready to listen to his message. 

Mr. Sunday preached his sermon on "Chickens Come Home to Roost," 
and held the men's closest attention until he had finished. His dramatic 
description of the last run of the Burlington Mail Train held all in breath- 
less silence, while his recital of his own experience brought a responsive 
throb to the heart of every man. 

The Rev. Paul Rader, pastor Moody Church, and the Rev. Melvin 
E. Trotter, superintendent Pacific Garden Mission, evangelists of Chicago, 
had charge of the Camp Meeting services under the direction of the Devo- 
tional Committee of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, in 191 7 
and 19 1 8. 

The March Around Jerusalem 

One of the most interesting features of the close of the Camp Meeting 
at Ocean Grove is "The March Around Jerusalem." This custom has 



54 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



prevailed from the earliest days and perhaps originated as an expression of 
a similar sentiment to that which prompts the alumni of a college or school 
to march through the rooms of the buildings of their alma mater before 
taking iheir departure and on the occasions of their reunions. Whatever 
its origin may have been, "The March Around Jerusalem" is one of the dis- 
tinguishing features of the close of the Camp Meeting. 

In the early days the march included a visit to the foot of Ocean 




PRESIDENT BALLARD AND VICE PRESIDENT WILSON LEADING THE 
PROCESSION IN I915 



Pathway, where the Surf Meetings had been held, and thus the procession 
"counter-marched" on Ocean Pathway, while kindly Christian greetings 
were exchanged. It is hoped there may be a return to this custom as an 
opportunity is thus given to the marchers to meet each other and exchange 
the friendly greetings appropriate to the occasion. 

After the final gathering of the host in the Auditorium to listen to the 
reports of the leaders of the various meetings, the line is formed for the 
march. The choir of the Young People's Meetings come first, while the 
officers and members of the Association follow next in line, and thereafter 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 55 

come those who have participated in the services either as workers or as 
worshipers. 

Upon leaving the Auditorium the choir starts singing the favorite hymn 
of the occasion, "We're Marching to Zion." As the line threads its way to 
the Tabernacle, Thornley Chapel, and the Young People's Temple, those 
who were marching, as well as those who waited in the Auditorium and 
the other buildings, together with many who watched by the way, join in the 
singing. Other hymns are used from time to time, two time-honored 
favorites being, "Shall We Meet Beyond the River?" and "When the Roll 
Is Called Up Yonder I'll Be There." 

The procession passes first into the Tabernacle, where, at a word, it 
halts while a short prayer is offered giving thanks for the blessings be- 
stowed upon that service. Thence the marchers, still singing as they go, 
slowly wend their way to Thornley Chapel, a memorial to the late Mr. 
Joseph H. Thornley, first superintendent of the Ocean Grove Sunday 
School, which had been the meeting place of the children throughout the 
season. 

Again taking up the march, the way leads through the shady Centennial 
Park — sometimes called Auditorium Square — to the Young People's 
Temple. Then out of the Temple and across Ocean Pathway, the line pro- 
ceeds actually to Jerusalem (The Model), which is circled by the march- 
ers, who still sing the marching hymn. 

Back at last to the Auditorium, the company reenters the building 
through the west center doors. Here the strains of the hymn are taken up 
by the great organ, the marchers, those who had waited for their return, 
and many more who crowded in to be present at the simple but impressive 
closing ceremony, so well known to hundreds of thousands of frequenters of 
Ocean Grove during the past forty-five years. 

As soon as the officers and members of the Association had reached the 
platform,- the venerable president, the Rev. A. E. Ballard, D.D., surrounded 
by his fellow-members and the preachers and flanked by the choir, until 
recently, pronounced the historic words used on all similar occasions, and, 
while the chimes of the organ were sounded, declared the Camp Meeting 
for the season closed, "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost." 

Auditorium 

The first "preachers' " stand, said to have been "a beautiful structure," 
was of octagon form, capable of seating seventy-five or more ministers. It 
was painted inside and out and "surmounted by a cupola in which was a 
small bell." This was erected at the head of Ocean Pathway where now 
stands the Auditorium. Seats were provided under the trees for the con- 



56 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



gregation. These seats were made of pine boards, planed on both sides, 
and placed on trusses; and there were "sufficient to seat a congregation of 
ten thousand persons." 

The spot chosen for the congregation though open, seemed to afford 
the least shade of any on the ground and no protection from the rain. In 




THE FIRST AUDITORIUM 



1875, to meet the demand for a better shade in front of the stand, a sub- 
stantial frame 75 feet by 100 feet and 16 feet posts was erected. This 
was covered with boughs cut from the trees, providing a screen from 
the sun. "Its beautiful appearance was a subject of universal remark"; and 
had there been no rain, it would have met every purpose, but was considered 
"a grand success." 

The following year the framework was covered with a permanent roof 
and the preachers' stand was enlarged, in which there was erected a bell 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



57 



tower, in which was hung a new and fine-toned bell, which has pealed forth 
its calls to service since 1876. 

In 1872 the necessity for artificial light became apparent for the "con- 
gregation grounds," and a small gas-making plant was installed. From 




THE SECOND AUDITORIUM 



that time forth until the electric lights came into use gas was used for illu- 
mination. 

The question of shade not having been satisfactorily solved, a recom- 
mendation was made for a "substantial and tasteful frame," of from one 
hundred feet wide to one hundred and fifty feet long, with rafters running 
to a peak (connected with the stand), to be so constructed as to endure for 
years and not injure the trees; and that "we cover this frame each year with 



58 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



bowers until the trees get large enough (if ever) to afford the needed 
shade." This, with the addition of another large tent, would protect in time 
of storm. 

On Sunday, July 2, 1876, this new Auditorium was occupied for the 
first time. The sermon was preached by the president, Dr. Stokes, who 
took for his text — "All the passages painted on the stand" — there having 
been stenciled on the rafters various passages of Scripture. 

In 1877 the congregation increased so that many were standing at al- 
most every service notwithstanding the addition of new settees. This year 




THE THIRD AUDITORIUM 



the seating capacity in the Auditorium was from twenty-five hundred to 
three thousand people. 

Opened July 4, 1880, the Auditorium, though enlarged to nearly 
double its former capacity, was filled. Bishop Hurst, who had just been 
consecrated a bishop, preached on "Where two or three are gathered in my 
name, there am I in the midst of them." 

Bishop Harris rededicated the Auditorium. Then President Stokes 
proceeded to say : 

"Whereas we have for a number of years last past unveiled some object 
on our anniversary day which we have styled our anniversary monument, 
we now present this building as our 'Twelfth Anniversary Memorial,' and 
while we feel assured it has the smile of God, we trust it has your approval 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



59 



also. We therefore dedicate this building to Almighty God, to be used for 
his glory in the transaction of all business whether secular or religious, for 
upon all things connected with us we desire to have written 'Holiness unto 
the Lord'; and we also dedicate it to such directly religious uses as may be 
called for and from time to time appointed, such as the reading of the Holy 
Scriptures, the preaching of the word of God, the administration of the holy 
sacraments, and such other exer- 
cises as may not be inconsistent 
with the doctrines, discipline, or 
usages of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church." 

The need of better and more 
extended accommodations for pub- 
lic worship became apparent during 
the next ten years, and there came 
to life a great conviction that a 
new Auditorium with sittings for 
eight thousand to ten thousand per- 
sons should be erected. 

In the course of time a model, 
built by General Patterson and 
Wistar H. Stokes after plans by 
W. H. Carmen, Esq., became an 
object lesson of interest and at- 
traction. Following this event, 
unsolicited contributions aggre- 
gating about $3,000 were offered 

in 1 89 1. Of this amount the first $200 was paid by Miss Ester Toohig, 
"a devout missionary and Bible reader among the poor of New York 
city." 

At the Annual Meeting in 1892 Dr. Stokes called attention to the fact 
that on July 31, 1894, Ocean Grove would be twenty-five years old, and 
that plans should immediately be made to celebrate this event by the erec- 
tion of an auditorium seating not less than ten thousand persons. He con- 
cluded his appeal to the Association to undertake this project by saying, 
"The day of small things with us is past; the day of a great opportunity 
has come." The truth of these words has been shown during the succeed- 
ing twenty-five years. 

The proposal to erect a new auditorium, though "received with silent 
courtesy" by the members of the Association, did not meet with enthusiastic 
favor. Permission, however, was given to pursue the investigation and re- 
port to a special meeting. Then permission was given to test the willing- 




DAVID H. WYCKOFF 



6o 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



ness of the people to contribute the sum of $50,000, with which amount it 
was thought the structure could be completed. 

Sunday, August 13, 1893, was fixed as "New Auditorium Day," and 
in perfecting the plans the best financial talent was sought, which included 
Chaplain C. C. McCabe. 

An old friend, David H. Wyckoff, Esq., suggested a laymen's mass 
meeting for Friday, August 1 1, to be conducted by laymen, and for laymen 
— "the ministers having nothing to do with it in any way or form." This 
meeting was held on August 11. James A. Bradley presided over the vast 







THE FOURTH AUDITORIUM, 1 894 



audience and addresses were made by a number of laymen. No collection 
was taken, but resolutions of "high moral and financial support were 
adopted." 

The "New Auditorium Day" was a matchless day, without a cloud 
in the sky. A vast audience was present, but Chaplain McCabe was pre- 
vented from attending through family affliction. After the introductory 
services Dr. Stokes read Chaplain McCabe's letter announcing his inabil- 
ity to be present. Two large blackboards had been placed on the platform 
in full view of the people for use in receiving subscriptions; these were re- 
ceived at the morning service, at Dr. O'Hanlon's Bible Class in the after- 
noon, and again in the evening when, as nearly as could be ascertained, 
$42,000 had been subscribed. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



61 



The next day, the Association meeting in adjourned session, passed 
resolutions of thankfulness to "Almighty God for his presence and bless- 
ing," and "to the gentlemen of Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, and elsewhere 
who participated in the laymen's meeting," and "to others who prominently 
aided in the reception of the contributions" and stated that "the contribu- 
tion of $41,500 reported" justified the Association in taking immediate 
measures for its erection. A committee was appointed; plans of Fred T. 
Camp were accepted, and ground was broken December 2, 1893. "The 
cost of the new auditorium, including furniture and everything pertaining 




INTERIOR, AUDITORIUM 



thereto, all and singular, inside and fixings outside, as grading, curbing, 
lights, etc., including donations of work, material, etc., was $69,112.16." 
Among the donations was the Baptismal Font, given by Mrs. Simpson, the 
wife of Bishop Simpson; likewise the Bible and hymn book of Miss E. E. 
Smith; the electric motto and hymn books by Mr. A. H. DeHaven. 

The new auditorium was opened on Sunday, July 1, 1894. The 
service was conducted by members of the Association, and the sermon was 
preached by the President, Dr. Stokes, from the text: "The glory of this 
latter house shall be greater than the former, saith the Lord of hosts" (Hag. 
2. 9). The sermon concluded with these words: 

"To you, old men, on whose shoulders now rests the grave responsibil- 
ity of guiding its destinies, and to you younger men and women, into whose 
hands this vast enterprise must shortly fall, to you as you fear God, and 
hope to be finally saved, I commit this great trust to be held with a grip 



62 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



that knows no relaxation, to its original aim to the last. If you do this God 
will help and keep you. If you do not, he will cast you off forever." 

Preceding the day of dedication, David H. Wyckoff again proposed 




Bishop Charles H. Fowler Bishop John M. Walden 

Bishop Thomas Bowman 
Rev. A. J. Palmer Chaplain C. C. McCabe 

PARTICIPATING IN THE DEDICATION OF THE AUDITORIUM, 
AUGUST 9-12, 1894 



another laymen's meeting, which was held on August 6, 1894; an d again 
Mr. James A. Bradley presided. "It was a great meeting — great in num- 
bers, great in enthusiasm, great in its influence for good, and great in the 
satisfaction which it gave to all." 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 63 

The dedication of the new auditorium covered a period from August 
9 to 12. It was "Ocean Grove's Silver Anniversary Monument — the 
largest and finest evangelical audience room in the known world." All of 
the Board of Bishops were invited, but only three — Bishop Thomas Bow- 
man, the senior member of the Board ; Bishop John M. Walden, and Bishop 
Charles H. Fowler — could be present. Added to these there were present 
Chaplain C. C. McCabe; Dr. A. J. Palmer, of New York; and Dr. C. E. 
Mandeville, of Chicago. 

There having been some shrinkage in subscriptions, about $26,000 
was required to be raised to dedicate the Auditorium free from debt. Dur- 
ing the morning service one half of this amount was subscribed ; in the after- 
noon Dr. O'Hanlon's Bible Class gave an additional $1,000, leaving 
$12,000 to be raised. At an informal interview of a few friends held in 
the president's room in the Auditorium in the afternoon, John E. Andrus, of 
Yonkers, New York, a stranger to most, said, "You need $12,000?" 

"Yes." 

"Divide it into three blocks, $4,000 each; I will give one quarter of 
the first block, one third of the second, and one half of the last, if the re- 
mainder shall be taken by the congregation." 

In the evening Bishop Fowler preached, and subscriptions were 
received. When the last block of $4,000 was announced, Mr. Andrus 
said, "I will give $250 for each one of my children, and I have eight of 
them," thus fulfilling his proposal to take one half of the third block and 
making a total contribution of $4,333-33. Notwithstanding this there was 
a further shrinkage in the payment of the subscriptions of about $2,000, 
which perhaps has not been specifically covered to this day. 

The Ocean Grove Ushers 

This body of men, numbering about seventy-five, has labored faithfully 
and well. They are business men representing the commercial world in all 
its various activities, and having willingly volunteered their services. Ocean 
Grove, therefore, has the advantage of a body of ushers unusually intelli- 
gent and capable who, through years of service and association with the 
people of Ocean Grove, have become wonderfully efficient. These men 
greet the audience more as welcoming hosts than as ushers. 

Not only do the ushers attend upon the religious services, but they are 
also present at the entertainments. One of the most striking features of the 
Sunday services in the Auditorium has always been the lifting of the plate 
collections. This work has been so thoroughly organized for years that it 
moves with perfect ease and quietness. As if by magic, the ushers appear at 
their designated places, the collection is received rapidly and without con- 



(-4 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



fusion, after which the ushers gather from all parts of the building at the 
head of the main aisle, from which place they proceed in orderly fashion to 
their places before the chancel for the presentation of the offering. For 
many years this has been an impressive part of the service. 

The greatest efficiency of the ushers, however, is apparent in their hand- 
ling of the immense crowds which attend the larger entertainments. Many 
of those who attend these entertainments come from outside of Ocean Grove 
and are not familiar with the seating plan of the Auditorium. Here it is 




TABERNACLE 



that experienced ushers with intimate knowledge of the seating of the 
building are indispensable. So expert have they become that they are able to 
direct the people from the various entrances to their seats quickly and with- 
out confusion. 

It has frequently happened in past years — and even as late as last year 
— that managers of some of the great concerts have desired to bring their 
own corps of assistants to do the ushering, but observing the efficient manner 
in which the Ocean Grove ushers handle the crowds they found there was 
nothing left to be desired. 

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association has for many years ac- 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



65 



knowledged the services of the ushers by tendering a banquet to them and 
their wives at a convenient time during the season, and has likewise pro- 
vided them with tickets of admission to the various entertainments. 




The ushers maintain an organization of their own and have funds in 
their treasury which from time to time they dispense for such purposes as 
the> find desirable. 



66 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



The Tabernacle 

The original Tabernacle was a large tent erected on Ocean Pathway 
just outside of Sea Drift Heights. It was purchased second hand for $450. 
In course of time it became leaky. It was resized and a lining added. Seats 
of homemade construction were used. It is said that when placed upon a 
better foundation these seats gave "great satisfaction." A permanent stand 
was erected in the Tabernacle, and every other seat had a reversible back 
for the accommodation of the Sunday school. 

In addition to the large Tabernacle tent another, known as "Dr. 
Ward's tent," was used for religious purposes, Dr. Ward presented his 
tent, which cost $165, to the Association "to be held exclusively for reli- 
gious purposes." Dr. Ward's tent was located to the north of the Audi- 
torium. 

In 1875 Dr. Stokes recommended the construction of a frame building, 
or partially frame, which would afford protection in time of storm and 
permit additional meetings to be held. The use of canvas curtains was sug- 
gested for the sides as being cheaper and better adapted to the needs. 



A Group of Well-Known Landmarks 

Although the chief interest of Ocean Grove naturally centers in the 
Auditorium, whose evolution from a little cluster of bare pine seats in the 
open air to the vast proportions of the present edifice was nothing less than 
phenomenal in its rapidity, yet by no means all the fragrant traditions and 
significant associations of the place cling to that imposing structure. In 
the accompanying illustration are to be seen several familiar landmarks, 
without which Ocean Grove would hardly be Ocean Grove. 

First in point of age among the buildings erected for religious uses 
which are now in actual existence here is the Janes Memorial Tabernacle. 
Only a few readers, it may be, can remember the time when this site was 
occupied by a big canvas tent, in which all large meetings except those at the 
"Preachers' Stand" were held. For it was in 1877 that tne tent was P ro_ 
nounced no longer adequate, and in the early spring of that year the erec- 
tion of the Tabernacle was begun. 

The original plan was simply to erect a frame supporting a permanent 
roof, using curtains around the sides for protection against sun, rain, and 
wind. Only after the work was under way was the decision reached to 
make a complete and permanent inclosure, "as being the best and cheapest 
in the end." 

This building was completed in the comparatively early summer and 
on the evening of Saturday, July 14, was formally opened and dedicated 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 67 

to the worship of God and the memory of Bishop Edmund S. Janes, who 
was recently deceased, and who may almost be said to have finished his 
life work at Ocean Grove. For the last of the many hundreds of churches 
which this eminent bishop had dedicated was that of Saint Paul's, in 
this place, between which official act and his death he spoke but twice in 
public. 

The dedicatory service at the Tabernacle was performed by President 
Elwood H. Stokes, addresses being delivered by the Rev. Thomas O'Han- 
lon, the Rev. Joseph Knowles, and Hon. Hiram Price, of Iowa. One of 
the most notable events of this occasion was thus described by President 
Stokes in his next annual report : 

"At the close of the exercises, which were of a very delightful char- 
acter, a basket collection was taken, to aid in our expenses — the first one 
ever asked on these grounds for this purpose — amounting to $52. These 
collections were continued on the Sabbath throughout the season, and once 
a day through the Camp Meeting, with the heartiest approval of the people, 
who have our thanks for their generous aid in this direction." 

What a precedent was then established ! 

Much of the religious history of Ocean Grove has been made in 
the Janes Memorial Tabernacle. For years it was the meeting place 
of the always famous Bible Class. In later times the primary depart- 
ment of the summer Sunday school has been held in it. From the very be- 
ginning it has been associated with the morning Bible reading and holiness 
meetings throughout the season, as well as with the popular twilight 
services, to which could be added innumerable gatherings for different pur- 
poses and often of great importance. 

Thornley Chapel, though the smallest of public buildings in Ocean 
Grove, is one with peculiarly pleasant associations. These associations are 
preserved here too as in no other on the grounds. For while the larger 
structures are almost invariably spoken of by their general names — Audi- 
torium, Tabernacle, Temple — this is always named as Thornley Chapel. 
In it also is framed the portrait of the man whom it memorializes. 

The number of those to whom either name or face has a definite and 
personal meaning is growing smaller every year. Yet there are many 
still, in Ocean Grove and otherwhere, who cannot hear the one or see 
the other without a vivid and delightful remembrance of one of the best- 
known and best-loved men in this place during the first twenty years of 
its history. 

Joseph H. Thornley was a charter member of the Ocean Grove Asso- 
ciation. Not only this, but it was in his tent, at the suggestion of his wife, 
that the first religious meeting was held on these grounds, on the evening of 
July 31, 1869. He was a man of the highest integrity and at the same 



68 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

time of the most genial and joyous temperament. From the beginning of 
the organization until the end of his life he held the office of superintendent 
of the summer Sunday school, and not a child was there in all the place who 
did not adore this man, who was never too busy or too absorbed in greatei 
matters — if there are any — to give a smile and a merry word or a bit of 
kindly help to the least of the little folk. 

It was in February of 1889 that Mr. Thornley was called home. 
Only a little while before his death he had talked earnestly of what was 
already known to his friends as one of the dearest wishes of his heart — a 
smaller building in Ocean Grove for the holding of the many meetings 
which did not require the space of the Auditorium, Tabernacle, or Temple. 
Shortly after he had passed away the idea of a Thornley Memorial Chapel, 
which would realize this desire, took a strong hold of some of his friends. 
A committee was formed, sufficient money was raised entirely independently 
of the Association, the work was quickly done, and on Sunday, June 30, 
of the same year, Thornley Chapel, free of debt and equipped with organ 
and suitable furnishings, was opened for use. 

Since that time many important meetings have been held in the pretty 
little building. It has been used continuously for the Helping Hand and 
Mothers' Meetings of successive Camp Meetings, and has long been the 
gathering place of the children for their special services. On every Sunday 
afternoon from the close of each summer season until the opening of its suc- 
cessor a meeting is held as a connecting link between the nine o'clock 
Tabernacle meetings of successive years. 

By no means unworthy of notice also among these treasured landmarks 
is the quaint little pavilion known as far back as memory can reach in Ocean 
Grove as Beersheba. This, as the time-honored inscription in the pavilion 
informs us, was the first well bored in the Ocean Grove grounds, having 
been driven in June, 1870. At first it was merely a common pump, with a 
tin cup attached to a chain. In 1883 a "new and improved pump and other 
fixtures, by which four or five persons could drink at the same time," were 
added "at a cost of $21.30." Still later running water was brought here, 
so that one's thirst could be slaked without the effort of pumping. 

The situation of Beersheba was always the most convenient possible for 
a public drinking-fountain, and its waters were exceedingly popular. They 
have been declared, indeed, by many of the unnumbered thousands who 
have quaffed them in years gone by to be the best in all Ocean Grove. This 
belief may have been largely a matter of sentiment. Among the eight 
hundred wells which preceded the great Artesian plant it is probable that 
there were many as pure and cool as this. Nevertheless, Beersheba lias 
always been a blessing and is lovinelv remembered ;is one of the "institu- 
tions" of Ocean Grove. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 69 

The Holiness Meeting 

"One of the most delightful things connected with Ocean Grove," 
wrote some one in the earliest days of Ocean Grove, whose name is not 
recorded, "was Dr. Ward's meeting for the promotion of holiness, carried 
on from day to day in this large tent. To see that dear Presbyterian elder 
surrounded by such crowds of Christians of all denominations, not only his 
own, but Baptists, Episcopalians, Dutch Reformed, and others, as well as 
Methodists, and all in loving harmony, was a heavenly sight. They had 
varied views on minor points of theology, no doubt, but there was no clash- 
ing on the duty and privilege of loving God, with all the heart, and together 
they strove to get near to Jesus." 

These meetings were held in Dr. Ward's tent located just south of 
Ocean Pathway and east of the sand bank known as Sea Drift Heights. 

With the erection of the Tabernacle, it became the home of the Holi- 
ness Meeting, of which Dr. and Mrs. W. C. Palmer took charge in 1878. 

For some time during Dr. Palmer's illness, resulting in his death in 
1883, Mr. Thornley had charge of the Holiness Meeting, assisted by H. 
Dixon, of Canada. Mrs. Palmer returned to the meeting late in the sea- 
son and was assisted by Mrs. Mary D. James. 

The meetings continued from year to year after the death of Dr. 
Palmer, in charge of his widow, Sarah Langford Palmer, and Joseph H. 
Thornley — one of the lay members of the Association. At the opening 
meeting in 1889, Mrs. Palmer was given charge, though Mr. Thornley had 
passed to his reward. She continued in charge until, through physical dis- 
ability, she relinquished her leadership with the season of 1892. Then the 
Rev. George Hughes, a member of the Association, became the leader in 
1893 and continued during 1894. 

In 1895 the Rev. J. Reeves Daniels, of the Newark Conference, also 
a member of the Association, became the leader. In 1897 it appears that 
"the attendance has been so large that in most of the days of the camp the 
Tabernacle was unable to hold the throng who pressed for entrance." 

Then for a period beginning with 1898, the meeting was in charge of 
the devotional Committee, consisting of Bishop FitzGerald, the president 
of the Association; Dr. Ballard, the vice president, and Dr. J. H. Alday. 
But the attendance declined, and in 1900 the hour of meeting was changed 
from nine o'clock in the morning to three thirty in the afternoon. 

A return to the morning hour was made in 1902, with the president of 
the Association, Bishop FitzGerald, usually in charge, with Dr. Alday and 
the vice president. The next year a change in the character of the service 
was made, and it became necessary to suppress certain enthusiasts who went 
beyond the limits of orthodoxy. 



7 o THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

Although Bishop FitzGerald gave his undivided attention to this meet- 
ing the next year, which resulted in increased attendance, it was still diffi- 
cult to repress speakers who made "the service a weariness" by lack of ap- 
propriate ideas and words. 

Dr. and Mrs. Henry Wheeler assumed charge during the winter of 
1907, and after the death of Bishop FitzGerald Dr. Alday became leader. 
Bishop Luther B. Wilson gave the daily lesson. This followed for some 
years, during which Bishop Wilson gave almost every morning short ser- 
mons of an evangelistic order. Dr. and Mrs. Wheeler, with others, were 
giving continuous service. 

In the summer of 191 1, during the illness of Dr. Alday which resulted 
in his death on October 23, 191 1, the meeting was practically in charge of 
the president, the Rev. A. E. Ballard, assisted by the Rev. Frank L. Wil- 
son and Dr. Henry Wheeler. The Association appointed Dr. Wheeler 
leader, and Mrs. Wheeler as associate leader, to take charge of the meetings 
in the summer of 19 12. Bishop Wilson still continued, giving many of 
the lessons. During the latter part of the season the congregation became 
too large for the Tabernacle, and the last few meetings were held in the 
Auditorium. Dr. and Mrs. Wheeler continued in charge until 19 15, 
when from advancing years, together with the serious illness of Mrs. 
Wheeler, they requested to be relieved from the leadership. It was then 
that Dr. Frank L. Wilson, vice president of the Association, was appointed 
by the Association as leader. Dr. Wilson was succeeded by Dr. James 
William Marshall in 19 18. 

Many notable speakers have been heard in the Holiness Meetings dur- 
ing the years of its existence ; in addition to those already mentioned were 
Bishop Warne, Bishop Oldham, and Col. Brengle, the last named of the 
Salvation Army. 

The Holiness Meeting is the one service maintained throughout the 
year by the Camp Meeting Association, being held daily in the Tabernacle 
during the summer and continued every Sunday afternoon during the 
winter in Thornley Chapel. 

Young People's Temple and the Young People's Meeting 

In 1877 or 1878, under the leadership of the Rev. Frank Cookman 
and his brother, the Young People's Meetings were started. For the 
better accommodation of the young people it was found desirable to erect a 
building for their use. The first Temple was completed at a cost of 
$1,635 and dedicated Anniversary Day, July 31, 1879. Immediately it 
was found to be too small, though more than twice as large as Dr. Ward's 
tent, where the Young People's Meetings had been held previously. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



7i 




The first leaders, "the young Cookman Brothers," because of other 
duties were unable to give their entire time during the season of 1883. 
The Rev. C. H. Yatman, then secretary of the Y. M. C. A. of Newark, 
became the leader (and remained such for some twenty- five years), assisted 
by the Rev. G. H. Gastweit. The attendance became so large that it was 
necessary to take out the rear end of the Temple and extend it to increase 
its size, as many more as the original building; but even after the en- 
largement these meetings continued so popular and successful that there 
seemed no diminu- 
tion in the crowds 
gathered outside 
and about the win- 
dows; and further 
enlargement was 
recommended. To 
accommodate the 
increasing attend- 
ance, the next year 
the meeting was as- 
signed to the Tab- 
ernacle. 

Before the 
opening of the sea- 
son of 1885 the Young People's Temple had been enlarged more than 
double its former capacity, and still at the opening meeting on Sunday, July 
5, nearly every chair was occupied. 

After having been enlarged three times, the constant cry was "More 
room !" To solve the difficulty it was decided to still further increase the 
accommodation. Plans were approved, the work progressed, and in com- 
memoration of the eighteenth anniversary, the building was dedicated on 
August 1, 1887. Its seating capacity was fifteen hundred and its cost 
$7,500. At the opening service, Sunday, July 3, it was "a matter of grate- 
ful surprise to find nearly every seat taken before the service began." 

The attendance increased, so that all seating room was occupied, 
"while doorways were crowded and windows often thronged." 

During the absence of Mr. Yatman upon a European trip in 1891, 
the Rev. G. L. Barker had charge of the Young People's Meetings, which 
were held with increasing interest. 

An unusually large audience greeted Mr. Yatman upon his return in 
1892. 

The Young People's meeting came to be known as the "Sunshine Hour 
— Sixty minutes of Sunshine," during the leadership of Mr. Yatman, who, 



THE ENLARGED YOUNG PEOPLE S TEMPLE 



72 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



on one occasion said, "Bad people have been made good and good people 
have been made better" by their attendance at these services. 

Lula Pauline Whinna, who was associated with the Temple services 
during Mr. Yatman's leadership, says: 

"I never knew two services to be exactly alike. Day after day, season 
after season, the crowds came and remained for the full sixty minutes. 
Five minutes before the hour, when the orchestra, or the chimes under the 
skillful fingers of Miss Imogene Fields, put all in a devotional frame of 
mind by the strains of some old familiar hymn, every chair would be filled 







THE YOUNG PEOPLE S TEMPLE 



and standing room would be at a premium. The hands of the clock point- 
ing to the hour of nine always found the curtains at the back of the platform 
parting, and with the leader's cheery 'Good morning,' 'The Sunshine Hour' 
had begun. 

" 'Let us stand!' From a thousand people would break forth, 'Praise 
God from whom all blessings flow.' The services were full of music and 
sunshine and — best of all — Christ. Never for one moment was the object 
of the services, 'To make bad people good and good people better,' lost 
sight of. The leader resorted to no 'tricks' in trying to win souls. His 
'young people' from 'one to one hundred and one' felt that they could trust 
him, and they remained without fear to his 'after services,' where, with 
the crowds shut out, he was enabled oftentimes to help the timid heart to 
take the first step toward Christ. Blessed with a winning personality, 
coupled with tact and sanctified common sense, he was able to reach all the 
various kinds and conditions of people that attended his meetings. His mes- 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



73 



sages were forceful and heart-searching and unconsciously, almost, one was 
filled with a desire to be good after listening to one of his soul-stirring 
appeals. 

"His 'quiet moments' were seasons of spiritual uplift. Sitting quietly 
by his table, his 'Lean back in your chair and rest' would make set faces 
relax and smiles creep into tired eyes, 'Listen!' — 'Safe in the arms of Jesus,' 
'Come, ye disconsolate' — the sweet strains from violin and flute oftentimes 
drew tears from the eyes of strong men unused to show emotion. 

"The music was a great drawing power. The ever-welcome cornets of 
the Park Sisters and the music of the Bradford Trio touched many hearts. 




REV. CHARLES H. YATMAN, FOR TWENTY-FIVE YEARS THE 

LEADER OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S MEETING AT 

OCEAN GROVE 



One of the sweetest messages ever given to the people was by Ray Fitz- 
Gerald, son of Bishop FitzGerald. His 'Abide With Me' on the violin 
will never be forgotten. And not alone by instruments were sermons set 
to music, for second to none in power for good were Miss Blanche Bennett, 



74 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



Mrs. Henderson, and the 'Scotch Lassie' from Nebraska, Miss Agnes Alex- 
ander. 

"From the platform, as the days went by, were heard speakers from 
all parts of the homeland as well as those from across the seas, but no voice 
was more gladly listened to than that of the 'Sunshine leader' himself. 

"And not forgotten were the 'Little Men and Women.' Special days 
were set apart for them. We wish space would permit of giving in detail 
his great missionary 'Doll Sermon.' His 'Go ye into all the world, and 

preach the gospel' were not idle 
words, standing as he did on the 
threshold of a third missionary 
world-circling journey. His 
'Candle Sermon' and 'Cup Ser- 
mon' followed, and even now the 
writer can well remember what 
a thrill went through the audi- 
ence when 'David's Cup' was 
made to overflow by the 'Cup of 
Salvation.' 

"The material side of Chris- 
tian work was never overlooked 
in the Temple services. An old 
newspaper clipping gives this 
item : 'Over five hundred dollars 
has been given to miscellaneous 
benevolences, and more than one 
thousand dollars handed over to 
the Association.' 

"It is the opinion of many 
that Mr. Yatman's Jubilee Year,' 
1903, witnessed the strongest 
meetings of all the series. His 
parting theme that year was the 'Four Temples.' One look at his audience 
was enough to convince even the most skeptical that he had touched on a 
subject dear to many hearts when he voiced the hope that '1905' would 
see in Thompson Park the completed 'Stokes Memorial Temple,' marking 
the twenty-fifth year of the Temple 'Sunshine Hour.' 

"No description of those Temple days would be quite complete with- 
out a word concerning Mr. Yatman's workshop, the 'Sanctum,' where he 
and his helpers met together to discuss ways and means of making the 
'Sunshine Hour' a blessing to all. There, too, any one in trouble could go 
and be sure of receiving help. 







THE REV. CHARLES L. MEAD, D.D. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



75 



"When, at the close of his 
twenty-five years as the 'Sunshine 
Leader,' Mr. Yatman thought it 
best to give up his Temple work, 
he carried with him the love and 
prayers of thousands of 'bad peo- 
ple made good and good people 
made better' through his instru- 
mentality; but the influence of 
those 'Sunshine Hours' on the 
lives of men and women the wide 
world over can never be esti- 
mated." 

In 1899 when it became cer- 
tain that Mr. Yatman could not 
be present, the Rev. Dr. D. R. 
Lowrie, a man of broad expe- 
rience in similar work, was se- 
lected by the Devotional Com- 
mittee for leader of the Young 
People's Meeting. On the morn- 
ing following the Floral Day ex- 
ercise, Dr. Lowrie was prostrated 
by a sudden illness and died in 

the evening. A memorial service was held in the Temple under the direc- 
tion of the Devotional Committee, at which a fitting tribute was paid him. 
Notwithstanding the loss of leadership there was no diminution in the in- 
terest of the meetings, 
which were carried for- 
ward under various lead- 
ers, among whom will be 
found the names of Mead, 
Merry, Schell, and 
Doherty. 

In 1907, the Rev. 
Carlton R. VanHook, 
then a student in Penning- 
ton Seminary, was in 
charge. Following this, 
in 1908, "after prayerful 
deliberation," the Devo- 
the criterion quartette tional Committee selected 




THE REV. WILLIAM H. MORGAN, D.D. 




THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



77 



the Rev. Charles L. Mead, Pastor Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, 
Denver, Colorado, and the Rev. W. H. Morgan, Pastor Calvary Meth- 




THE JUNIOR ASSEMBLY CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA 



odist Episcopal Church, New York City, for the leadership of this great 
assembly. Dr. Mead was to lead in July, Dr. Morgan in August. 



78 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



The meetings of the young people have continued with increasing in- 
terest from year to year, and are conducted every morning in the Temple 
from nine to ten o'clock. It is an hour of inspiration and uplift. The 
singing is always attractive. Congregational singing of such a character 
seldom is heard. The Criterion Quartette delights the people of Ocean 
Grove with their singing and service. The addresses are always brief and 
to the point; they begin somewhere and end somewhere, and doubtless this 
year will be of a highly patriotic character. 



1 

N K : 1 


' il^VaBA '" Syr 
' t ^&y<r Sit Sm. ' m > 

Br 8 


■Hf , I' ft w \ 
1 




■ 

i 


jfr~' " 


- '■wfc.-^^aaM— **"" 



THORNLEY CHAPEL 



The Junior Assembly 

From the beginning Ocean Grove has had a special regard for the chil- 
dren in the way of religious exercises. Almost from the start there were 
special services for the children, of which the first is recorded in 1874 under 
the direction of Miss Sarah Sharp, of Philadelphia. Her successor was the 
secretary of the Association, Mr. George W. Evans, who had charge for 
two years; then followed Miss Cassie Smith for one year, and thereafter, 
for a number of years, Mr. Joseph H. Thornley, assisted by Mrs. Martha J. 
Inskip, who ultimately succeeded Mr. Thornley. In 1891 Mr. Louis 
Klopsch was the leader; then came Mrs. Grace Weiser Davis, who served 
for seven years, being succeeded in 1900 by Mrs. S. M. Thompson, super- 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 79 

intendertt of the children's services at Pitman Grove, who was the leader for 
two years. Mrs. W. L. Starks was the leader in 1902-03. Thereafter 
some difficulty was experienced in procuring the right kind of leadership, 
but this problem was solved when Mrs. Joseph A. Hudson became the 
leader in 1906. 

The number of children attending these meetings presents a pressing 
demand for larger accommodations. 

Children's Meetings 

The children's meeting is now known as the Junior Assembly, and is 
held each morning for one hour, beginning at nine o'clock, in Thornley 
Chapel. This is for girls and boys too young to attend the Young People's 
Meeting in the Temple. The Junior Assembly is full of inspiration and 
helpfulness and develops leadership in the Juniors in the spiritual life. In 
this meeting they learn to testify, pray audibly, and lead the meeting. Hav- 
ing a good orchestra, made up of their own number, the singing is delight- 
ful. In this day of story-telling the Bible stories form a great attraction as 
a part of the hour's program. It is never a task for a girl or boy to spend 
this early hour in this service. 

Thornley Chapel, where the Junior Assembly is held, is a memorial 
to Mr. J. H. Thornley, the first and, until his death, the only superintend- 
ent of the Ocean Grove Sunday School. 

Sunrise Meeting 

This has been a feature of the regular Camp Meeting services from 
the commencement of the Ocean Grove enterprise. The earliest records 
indicate that the late Rev. R. J. Andrews, of New Jersey, one of the found- 
ers of the Association, was in charge of this meeting. From the first it is 
reported that these early meetings "were well attended, and prepared the 
people for a better work during the day." 

The consecration is made at the altar, all repeating, "Lord Jesus, I 

promise thee that whatever opportunities may come to me this day to do 

thy will, as far as thou wilt help me, I will do it." After which is sung the 

hymn, „„ , , . , 

"But drops or grief can ne er repay 

The debt of love I owe, 

Here, Lord, I give myself away, 

Tis all that I can do." 

Family Devotions 
These have been conducted every morning during the Camp Meeting 
since the season of 1881. They were established to meet the wants of many 
of the visitors to Ocean Grove, who, residing in hotels, boarding houses, and 
tents, were without the accustomed privacy for family devotions. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 81 

The services are short, lasting but fifteen minutes, and consist of read- 
ing the Scriptures, singing, and prayer. 

The Immediate Decision Meeting 

This has been known for many years as "Lizzie Smith's Meeting," so 
named after its leader for many years. It is held for the purpose of imme- 
diate decision on personal salvation. It continues daily throughout the 

encampment. 

The Mothers' Meeting 

These are held every afternoon during the Camp Meeting. 

The Twilight Meeting 

This special service, inaugurated in the early days of Ocean Grove, 
under the charge of the Rev. Benjamin M. Adams, one of the charter mem- 
bers of the Association, has continued throughout the years with a brief in- 
terval of two years. 

These meetings are always popular and, being distinctively evangel- 
istic in character, tend to win souls and to upbuild Christians. The service 
lasts about one hour, in which the early twilight adds to the beauty of its 
setting. 

For many years the Rev. C. H. Yatman, while leader of the Young 
People's Meeting, also had charge of the Twilight meetings, and thereafter 
G. F. Barker and F. D. Hoagland at different periods. 

Miss Helen Gertrude Rumsey, the national evangelist of the W. C. 
T. U., was the leader for eleven years. Those who attended these meetings 
with a view to having a closer walk with God had no reason to go away 
without such a desire fulfilled, as the invitation given every night by Miss 
Rumsey was broad enough to apply to everyone. 

Miss Rumsey's charming personality and influence for good over the 
young people who assisted in her meetings, drew them, not only closer to 
each other, but to the One who commanded all of his followers to "love one 
another." It is not from a sense of duty that these young people assisted in 
the Twilight Service, but because of their love and devotion to their 
Master, and a sincere desire to help their leader. The sermons delivered 
at these meetings have all been uplifting and the music inspiring. 

Miss Rumsey strove to make the "Twilight Revival" especially attrac- 
tive to students. The character of the service has always been distinctively 

evangelistic. 

Surf Meetings 

Deep impressions were made in the early days by the striking char- 
acter of these services. One attendant said : 

"But our reverie is soon to be interrupted ; it has been announced from 



82 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

the preaching stand that there will be public service at 6 P. M., at the beach ; 
and now slowly from cottage and tented circle they come. They cover the 
sandy slope, and still they come, until they crowd all the place down to 
the wave-washed strand. And now in silent awe, all uncovered, in the 
presence of him who holds the mighty deep in the hollow of his hand, the 
song of praise goes up, like the voice of many waters, until it swells above 
the roar of the foaming billows that dash at our feet." 

Another has said: "A wide and beautiful avenue runs from the grove, 
where religious services are held, directly to the ocean. A sandy bluff 
slopes up from the beach, and here these unique and remarkable meetings 
are held. Two weeks since there were probably five thousand persons at 









£: 



THE SURF MEETING OF LONG AGO 



the meeting sitting or standing in a kind of amphitheater, at the base of 
which was the ocean, whose surf kept rolling up and dashing on the beach 
with measured tone." 

Still another has written : 

"At 6 o'clock a beach meeting was held on the seashore, during which 
exhortations were given, hymns sung, and prayers offered. 
'Beside the sea the wondering people stood, 

Or sat, or bowed, devotion's earnest throng; 
The spirit, lost in worship's attitude, 

Mingled its praises with the billows' song.' 

"About 7 o'clock the audience began to move toward the preaching 
place, singing as they went that favorite song, 
'In the sweet by-and-by 

We shall meet on that beautiful shore.'" 

For many years over the flag which floated from the staff at the foot of 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



83 



Ocean Pathway was a long streamer upon which was inscribed the words, 
"The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth." 

The Surf Meeting of Long Ago 
From the first summer of its existence the Surf Meeting has been a 




unique feature of the services held at Ocean Grove. Nearly a generation 
and a half ago, when the Board Walk was but a narrow path of planks, 
and when the crowds of tenters and cottagers, flocking to the beach to 
watch the wondrous tints of closing day in sky and sea, were well content 
to drop on the sand and rest, instead of trudging over the yielding dunes, 
the Surf Meeting partook somewhat of the nature of a social gathering as 



§4 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 




ANOTHER SURF MEETING ( FROM AN OLD WOOD CUT) 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



85 



well as of a religious service. There were no seats, but the sand was soft 
and clean. The first pavilion was merely a rustic arbor, covered with pine 
boughs; and the "stand" which served as platform was barely large enough 
to hold the leader, a speaker or two, and a cornetist and chorister. But 
how popular these meetings were in those far-back days, one needs but a 




STILL ANOTHER SURF MEETING 



glance at one of the old, faded photographs, a few of which are still in 
existence, to know. What marvelous sunsets shed their glory over the 
world and lifted the souls of the gathered worshipers to strange poetic 
heights on some of those evenings! How thrilling it was when, as often 
happened, a big ocean steamer, gliding incredibly close to shore, was greeted 
by a burst of song and waving of white handkerchiefs, responding with a 
Salute from its steam whistle! And how little ripples of laughter even 



86 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



would occasionally be heard, when, on the fringe of the crowd nearest the 
water, an unexpected and unusually audacious wave would give the unwary 
a wetting and cause a sudden scrambling among adjacent groups! Once a 
beautiful, mysterious mirage was seen — a phantom ship, distinctly outlined 
and magically colored — in the clear sky overhead. 

Many things have changed at Ocean Grove, but never, on a pleasant 
summer Sunday evening, has the Surf Meeting failed to be held. Always 
it has its charm, different from any other. Always, even in old ocean's 
calmest moments, can be heard here on its very edge the murmur or whisper, 
the rhythmic undertone, according with the listener's most varying moods 
and suggesting thoughts "too deep for words" of life itself, as restless and 
as changing as the sea. 

Many speakers of national reputation lend their aid in making the 
gathering of each Sunday evening memorable for interest and helpfulness. 

The North End Song Service 



The attractive Song Service held every Sunday afternoon at the North 
End Pavilion came into being through a natural and gradual process of 

evolution. These services were held 
at first irregularly and as the occasion 
seemed to demand, but for about 
eleven years the meetings have been 
^f*" | given a recognized place upon each 

I season's program. During this time 
: $££m^ tRss Hb t ^ ie ^ ^ ave k een continuously under the 

JE *^ I charge of Mr. James F. Mohn, who 

W/t. nas expended all his splendid energy 

and spared no effort to make them 
successful. The attendance has 
grown with each year, until the Pa- 
vilion, large as it is, can no longer 
fully accommodate the crowds who 
gather there. Music, as the name in- 
dicates, is the conspicuous feature in 
these meetings, consisting of congre- 
gational or chorus singing and solos. 
But there are also short, live talks, 
and Mr. Mohn has succeeded, to a 
remarkable degree, in securing the 
best speakers for these. The Song Service makes it a rule to open promptly 
and to close on time. Those who have been present are sure to go again, 




JAMES F. MOHN 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



87 



while newcomers, passing on the Board Walk, are attracted in increasin| 
numbers from the opening Sunday until the close of the season. 




The South End Song Service 

With the ever-growing population in the neighborhood of Fletcher 
Lake and also to the south of Ocean Grove, has come the opportunity and 
the demand for a Sunday afternoon religious service of a bright and attrac- 
tive nature at this as well as the upper end of the Board Walk. The 
present spacious and beautiful Pavilion is especially well adapted to this 



88 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

purpose, and the South End Song Service on Sunday afternoon has become 
as well established and apparently as popular as its older sister at the North 
End. No more delightful spot in the late afternoon than this wide, shaded 
Pavilion can be found in all Ocean Grove, and a short informal, inspiring 
Song Service, in which every one may share, adds just what is needed to 
make enjoyment of it complete. President A. E. Ballard has from the 
first taken a special and paternal interest in this service. The leader for 
several years has been George B. Class. 

The Summer Sunday Schools 

The founder of the Ocean Grove Sunday schools was Joseph H. 
Thornley. Beginning in a very small way, with a handful of attendants 
gathered in the straw in two or three little tents, the schools soon grew to 
very large proportions and became known the country over for their size, 
enthusiasm, and the results wrought in and through them. For a num- 
ber of years the Sunday School Department of St. Paul's Church combined 
with these during July and August. 

The regular organization was perfected in 1875, with Joseph H. 
Thornley as superintendent; F. J. McPherson, assistant superintendent; 
and Frank S. Cookman as secretary. 

The several departments are thoroughly organized and efficiently man- 
aged by men and women having the best interests of the children and young 
people deeply at heart. There is, however, a perpet- 
ual need of helpers in this important work, and ex- 
perienced, earnest teachers can always find a channel 
for their talents in Auditorium, Temple, Tabernacle, 
or the Chinese Department in Association Hall. 
Even those who are in Ocean Grove for a short 
time only — no more perhaps, than a single Sunday 
— are sure to find a worth-while opportunity for 
giving and gaining inspiration here. 

The Auditorium Bible Class 

The Ocean Grove Bible Class may be said to be historic as well as 
famous. It was organized in "the seventies" with thirty persons gathered 
in what was then known as Dr. Ward's tent, with Dr. Thomas O'Hanlon 
as leader and teacher. From the tent it was transferred to the Taber- 
nacle, and thence, in 1887, to the new Young People's Temple. Even this 
proved in course of time insufficient for the requirements of the growing 
class, which in 1891 was taken to the Auditorium, its attendance hav- 




THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



89 



ing increased from the original thirty to twenty-five hundred. And it still 
continued to grow. 

For over forty years Dr. O'Hanlon remained in charge of the class, 
with an interval of two years, in which his place was taken by Rev. L. W. 
Munhall, D.D. During this long period it achieved 
a world-wide fame. Not only were the Bible les- 
sons regularly taught, but some of the ablest thinkers 
in Methodism and in other denominations have been 
heard in exposition in its sessions. There for three 
years Dr. Frank L. Wilson, well known as a pastor 
of the New York Conference and as an officer in 
the Ocean Grove Association, was the leader of the 
Bible Class. Last year the leader for July was the 
Rev. Samuel W. Grafflin, for fifteen years a pastor 
in the Baltimore Conference. thos. o'hanlon 




The Temple Sunday School 

The Intermediate Department is generally known as the Temple Sun- 
day School, having met since 1 891 in the Young People's Temple. Pre- 
vious to that time its gathering place had been the Auditorium, which, how- 
ever, was not the present vast building. The beloved founder, Joseph H. 
Thornley, was for twenty years — that is, until his death in 1889 — its only 
superintendent and had the happiness of witnessing its most phenomenal 
growth, fulfilling his dearest hope and aspiration. He was succeeded by the 
Rev. George W. Evans, who held the post for thirteen years. Mr. Evans 
was assisted from time to time by the late Louis Klopsch, of the Christian 
Herald; Dr. J. H. Gunning, Dr. Schadt, and others. Since the death of 
Mr. Evans in 1892, the present superintendent, Joseph A. Hudson, has 
been in charge and has made the Sunday afternoon hour in the Temple one 
of rich and varied delight as well as profit to the boys and girls. 

The Primary Sunday School 

Some one has called the Primary Department of the Sunday School 
the "jewel casket" of Ocean Grove. The name, doubtless, was suggested 
by the lines of the old, but ever-popular, hymn : 

"Little children, little children, 
Who love their Redeemer, 
Are his jewels, precious jewels, 
His loved and his own." 



In any case, the most indifferent stranger, passing by the Tabernacle when 



90 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



the little folk are gathered there of a Sunday afternoon, can hardly fail 
to be arrested by the sound of their sweet young voices singing in joyous 
unison some swinging chorus, or to be held for a few minutes at least by 
the attraction of the bright little faces massed in close rows before the plat- 
form. There are hundreds of pairs of eyes there as sparkling as any gems; 
though, in these days of white frocks and suits, of little lads' bright ties and 
little girls' big ribbon bows, the picture suggested is perhaps rather that of 
a flower garden than of a jewel case. 

In 1887 the Primary Depart- 
ment of the Ocean Grove Sunday 
School, which until then had met in 
the Young People's Temple and was 
known to some who are now parents 
and even grandparents as the "Infant 
Class," was removed to its present 
home in the Tabernacle. During its 
first twenty years this department had 
several superintendents, among them 
Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Titian P. Sum- 
mers, Miss Martha Van Marter, 
and Miss Mary A. Lathbury. But 
there was scarcely a time in its history 
w T hen the present superintendent, 
Mrs. Kate J. Skirm, was not in close 
association with it in some capacity, 
and now for twenty-nine years she 
has been in entire charge of its work, 
assisted by a number of able helpers 
who are themselves "graduates" of 
this department in years gone by, and who know how to attract and hold 
the interest of the hundreds of little folk who gather here on Sunday after- 
noons. The regular lesson is always taught, keeping the connection with 
the work in the home Sunday school unbroken. It has been said that the 
Primary Department not only looks like a flower garden, but "sounds like 
a choir of cherubs." If anything can be judged from the numbers of 
"grown-ups" always gathered on the outside of the Tabernacle, it is a most 
inviting place to them as well as to the children. 




KATE J. SKIRM 



The Chinese Department 



This department was organized in 1885. It has always met in Asso- 
ciation Hall, usually at nine o'clock in the morning. The smallest of the 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



9i 




EVA L. MACKRELL 



divisions of the Sunday school, it is 
yet the one which perhaps requires the 
greatest devotion and self-denial on 
the part of its workers, as a teacher is 
needed for each pupil. Because of 
the difficulties which the Chinese meet 
with in the English language, they 
cannot be grouped in classes. For a 
number of years the attendance num- 
bered from seven to twelve. Later it 
increased to as many as forty. The 
Chinese Department opens on the first 
Sunday in June. Miss Eva Mackrell, 
whose name has been for about fifteen 
years the one chiefly associated with 
this branch of our Sunday school 
work, is again in charge. Few efforts 
for the making of Christians or of 
citizens bring greater rewards than 
this. Young men and youths are es- 
pecially urged to lend a hand here, there being a pressing need for work 
which they, more than any others, can do. 

The Model of Jerusalem 

The Model of Jerusalem was presented to Ocean Grove in 1881 by 
the Rev. W. W. Wythe, M.D., a member of the Erie Conference and at 
that time a resident of Ocean Grove, who had designed and made it 
at a great expenditure of time, labor, and research, as well as an actual 
outlay of about $2,500 in money. Twelve hundred miniature trees, made 
during the winter of the following year by Mr. Wistar H. Stokes, added 
much to its beauty. 

This Model, located on Ocean Pathway near the Auditorium, is, as 
its name indicates, not a picture, but a miniature representation in relief 
and color, of the modern city of Jerusalem, showing its configuration of 
streets, dwellings, mosques, and minarets, walls, gates, water-courses, and 
surrounding hills — some of them partly wooded — in remarkable detail. So 
accurate in the reproduction that scores of travelers who have visited Jeru- 
salem have found keen delight in identifying its different sections and even 
individual buildings. 

Eminent lecturers also have spoken upon its site, including the brilliant 
and distinguished Lydia von Finkelstein (afterward Mrs. Mountford), 
herself a native of Jerusalem; Allan Moore, F. R. G. S.; and the Rev. 



92 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



Marshall Owens, of the New Jersey Conference. It is expected that sim- 
ilar explanatory and descriptive talks will be made a feature of this sum- 
mer's program also. 




THE BEACH AND BOARD WALK 

Beside the Summer Sea 
Ocean Grove's first and most continuous attraction, the one of which 
no program was needed or can be prepared, is its almost unequaled sea 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



93 



front. Originally a mere expanse of drifting dunes, mottled here and there 
by patches of coarse beach grass — yet even then inviting to true sea-lovers 
— it has come with the flight of years to be featured by the present broad 
and handsome Board Walk, parallel to the shore and flanked on the land- 
ward side by a wide stretch of well-kept and beautiful green lawn, over- 




looked by many attractive cottages and hotels bordering the charming ocean 
driveway. This whole beach front, reaching more than half a mile from 
lake to lake, is kept clear from all obstructions, provided with a large num- 
ber of seats, and maintained by the Camp Meeting Association at its own 
expense for the free enjoyment of residents and visitors. 



94 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

The Board Walk is too well known to require description. Thou- 
sands of people all over the country are familiar too with the North End, its 
elegant Pavilion and many varied attractions. The South End, also, once 
equally familiar and popular, hut ravaged and desolated about three years 
ago by fire, has now been rebuilt. The new Pavilion, with its more than 
fourteen thousand feet of floor space, affords a most delightful rendezvous 
at a most desirable bathing place. 

The Board Walk 

It was not long after Ocean Grove became a reality before the need of 
a plank walk along the ocean from Wesley to Fletcher Lakes became ap- 
parent. In its original state the ocean front was an undulating sand dune. 

The first board walk was a couple of planks laid lengthwise on 
stringers. With the removal of the sand dune in July, 1877, a plank walk 
was laid two thousand eight hundred and thirty-five feet long and six feet 
wide, reaching from lake to lake. This was lighted with twenty-one lamps. 
The expense of this work was liberally aided by the generous donations 
from Mr. Joseph Ross and Mr. T. W. Lilligore, the respective lessees of 
the bathing privileges at the foot of Wesley Lake and Fletcher Lake. 

In 1880 the plank walk was changed from a width of six feet to sixteen 
feet, constructed of white pine plank; it was three thousand two hundred 
and fifty-seven feet long from Wesley Lake to Fletcher Lake. The total 
cost was $3,250 — about $1 per running foot. 

Strolling on a quiet day along the Board Walk on its slight natural 
bluff, the rippling waters making scarcely a sound as they lightly lap the 
sand, it is difficult to realize the ungovernable power of the northeast wind, 
which — sometimes in a few hours — can whip up a sea of pounding break- 
ers dashing high upon the shore and threatening destruction to everything 
within their reach. 

This destruction has proved in many other places much more than a 
threat. Ocean Grove, however, has fortunately escaped serious ravage by 
storm except on one occasion. At that time the damage to the beach was 
so great as to seem irreparable, old Neptune having ripped up and washed 
away the shore, the street, and the ground to the very steps of the houses at 
one point on Ocean Avenue. But the Camp Meeting Association rose to 
the emergency, devised and built a system of jetties, pumped in sand from 
the ocean bed to fill the hole, and at a cost of $25,000, secured what is 
now the finest beach and promenade along the Atlantic coast, with nothing 
to obstruct the view or intercept the cooling breeze on either side — the 
favorite gathering place and common pleasure-ground of our visitors. 

In 1882, though faring vastly better than any other coast and inland 
places, the protracted September storm cut the beach from Surf Avenue to 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 95 

Ross's bathing grounds as never before. An immense amount of sand and 
solid earth was washed out, completely undermining the plank walk for 
a hundred yards or more, and but for timely intervention portions of it 
would have gone out to sea. The cut was so great that, without aid in 
the way of jetties, or something of the kind, it was feared it would not 
make up. The beach at that point was sixteen feet below the surface of the 
walk, it was still, washing, and the planks were sustained by stanchions 
only. 





; . ±\ _^ ._' ■ ... . ... - ' ■■ 

THE BEACH WAS SIXTEEN FEET BELOW THE WALK 

It became necessary to move the Board Walk back some distance, and 
the beach in the meantime regained some of the sand it had lost. 

The Great Washout 

On September 18, 19, and 20, 1895, a heavy storm occurred, coming 
from the northeast. This storm lasted over five "high tides," and created 
a dangerous current, running south along the beach eight to nine miles 
an hour. 

The sea being heavy and the tides high, their united action made a 
dangerous "sea push" nearly opposite Surf Avenue. This "sea push" 



96 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

showed by its work a break in the outer bar, which allowed the heavy 
swell to force itself directly on the shore. As these long-reaching seas struck 
the beach north-end first, they created a "swirl" which carried out vast 
tons of sand at each recession. 

The beach was thus cut from the "Camera-obscura" south to Bath 
Avenue, and the sand carried out between the shore and outer bar, not very 
far away, but for the time lost to us. The heavy cut under the plank walk 




MANY OF THE PILING BARELY TOUCHING THE SAND 

left many of the piling barely touching the sand, while many were floated 
entirely away. This cut in the bluff between Atlantic and Bath Avenues 
reached back in many places from twelve to twenty feet. 

Something had to be done at once. It was finally decided to build a 
sufficient number of jetties between the North End and Ocean Pathway to 
hold the sand and protect the bluff. 

A contract was immediately entered into to build four of these obstruc- 
tions, starting on a line with the west side of the Board Walk well into 
the bluff, and extending one hundred feet seaward from the east line of the 
Walk, the level or top of the jetty to start seven feet six inches below the 
top of the Walk. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 97 

By November 2, 1895, these jetties were well under way. The Jetty 
Committee labored hard to get them in before the heavy storms that were 
likely to visit us at the beginning of the winter. 

It was decided at this period to put in a "bulkhead" running parallel 
with the Board Walk, ten feet east of the same, beginning at Jetty No. 1. 
This bulkhead was built as strong as iron and wood could make it, thor- 




DASHING AGAINST THE BULKHEAD 

oughly bolted and braced at every joint. It must be remembered too that 
this work of building the jetties and bulkheads could not be done without 
severe battling with the high tides and terrific seas. 

On November 10, 11, and 12, 1895, another storm broke, and for 
two days the wind blew heavily from the north. On the 12th it veered 
eastward. The tides were extremely high, and from the south side of At- 
lantic to Bath Avenue the pilings under the Board Walk were cut out, and 
for a distance of four hundred feet the west side of the walk sunk from two 
to four feet. Another bad cut was made in the embankment; for a distance 
of five hundred feet uncounted tons of bluff were washed away. 

As soon as this storm subsided the work went on. Extensions west- 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



ward were added to Jetties Nos. 2 and 3. Jetty No. 4 was badly weakened 
while in an unfinished state. 

On the 24th of January, 1896, a heavy easterly storm set in, raging 

^ ~ "- — ~ • 1 











'<\@t 



THE SEA CARRIED AW 



OF THE WALK 




STARTING THE SAXD PUMP 



about 26 hours, damaging bulkheads and completely destroying Jetty No. 4. 
It was a wonderfully grand sight to see with what resistless force the 
waves dashed against all resistances, while the sea carried them away as if 
they were but cork. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



99 



The bulkhead stood the storm long enough to protect the bluff from 
the high tide and seas, and but for it Ocean Avenue, between the points 
named, would have been destroyed. All day Captain Rainear, the superin- 
tendent of the grounds with his men, battled with the elements. Some- 
times, as the seas struck the bulkhead, they would bound 30 to 40 feet in 




PUMPING IN THE SAND 



the air, while the high winds carried the spray 150 to 200 feet over the walk 
and beyond Ocean Avenue. 

It was ordered to replace Jetty No. 4, which was soon done. A row 
of piling was driven 10 feet outside the bulkhead, as close together as their 
formation would permit. Fifty-seven of these were placed in a single day. 

The contractor having finished his work, Captain Rainear was di- 
rected to build two additional jetties between Ocean Pathway and the 
fishing Pier. The high tides of November 12, 1895, February 8 and 15, 
1896, having cut their way from Pitman up to and south of Maine Avenue 
from 6 to 15 feet into the bluff, a jetty was located just north of the Fish- 
ing Pier, and another opposite Main Avenue. Fifty feet were also added 
to Jetty No. I, 



ioo THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

The bulkhead west of the Board Walk was finished one thousand and 
fifty feet north of Ocean Pathway and two hundred and eighty-six feet 
south of Pitman Avenue. 

The vast amount of work done in building and rebuilding these 
jetties and bulkheads would not be imagined by anyone looking at our 
present completed beach, nor does the observer know of the battles fought 
and refought with the ocean and its overpowering billows in order to reach 
this long-sought consummation. 

The carting of the piling for this great work was an Herculean task, 




THE WASHOUT FILLED SEPTEMBER I, i! 



most of which was hauled a distance of from fifteen to twenty miles, often 
over heavy sand roads or mud. 

There were from seven hundred to eight hundred piling used for the 
jetties alone. But the great chasm under the west of the plank walk was 
still there, requiring fifteen thousand cubic yards of sand to fill. It was a 
great undertaking. There was no material within practical reach of the 
shore. The only solution of the problem of how to fill it was from the sea. 
This too had innumerable difficulties — the high tides, the dashing billows, 
the northeast winds, and the trash brought in by it clogging the pipes; 
with all past engineering experience against it, the protest of practical men 
against it, the crowds of daily spectators against it, all uniting in one loud 
unanimous cry, "It cannot be done!" 

Still, on the part of our subcommittee, Mr. T. J. Preston and the Rev. 
J. R. Daniels, there was an abiding conviction that it was possible. This 
conviction grew partially out of the fact that there seemed to be no other 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 




THE REV. J. REEVES DANIELS 



Elected to membership in the Association in 1873, to fill the 
vacancy caused by the first death in the ranks of the charter mem- 
bers. 

Of him, it was said at the time of his death, August 22, 1908, 
"His monument is the Beach." 



102 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

way, and that the sea was the source from which the filling must come. 
There lay the sand in great abundance, but it was beyond low-water mark, 
fifty or more yards east of where it was needed, under water, and requiring 
a vertical lift of from fifteen to twenty feet, and to be carried to the east 
side of the plank walk. It would take fifteen thousand wagonloads to do 
the work. But the teams could not get to it. What should be done? 
Necessity replied, "Get a sand pump." Popular sentiment ridiculed. 
Perseverance said "Try." Determination said "We will." The work of 
preparation commenced about the first of June. There were many and 
exceedingly vexatious delays, continuing through most of the month. But 
the committee held on, so that by July 3 the difficulties were largely over- 
come, and the pumping commenced. Soon new adjustments were needed. 
Now a breakdown, then the tides too high or the sea too boisterous, or the 
pipes filled up; people laughing — "I told you so," etc. Some days not much 
was accomplished, other days nothing; but under favorable conditions fifty 
cubic yards of sand were lifted and thrown in place in a single hour. 
The principle was a triumph, and there was general joy. It was also a glad 
day when, on September 1, 1896, the work was completed, and the problem 
solved that with a proper pump sand could be lifted from the sea as well 
as from quiet bays and rivers. 

The cost of the entire repairs on the sea front is just about $25,000. 
Seeing the enormity of the expense the Emergency Committee was called 
together to deliberate on ways and means to meet it. It was finally de- 
cided to send out an appeal to the residents and property owners of Ocean 
Grove. This resulted in a contribution of $2,078.75. (See Appendix.) 

PAVILIONS 

The first pavilion erected on the beach was located at the foot of 
Main Avenue. It was a small pavilion covered by "a roof of a four- 
square building," which had "fallen into our hands, thus affording at a 
small expense accommodation for the people in that locality." Always 
intent upon the welfare of the people, it was recommended that "another 
should be erected farther down the beach." 

In 1878 the pavilion at the foot of Ocean Pathway, small and poorly 
constructed, was demolished by the storms of the winter. In its place a 
large, substantial, and in every way more tasteful structure was erected 
"which cost by contract without painting $500." Another small pavilion 
at the foot of Olin Street, having been abandoned by its private owners, fell 
into the hands of the Association, was repaired and given over to the use of 
the people. At that time there were eight summer houses "more or less 
ornamental," distributed through the grounds. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



103 



The North End Pavilion 

With the improvement of the bathing grounds at what is now 
known as the North End and South End, respectively, pavilions were 




ROSS S PAVILION 



erected by the lessees. The pavilion at the North End, having outlived 
its usefulness, a new and more elaborate pavilion was erected there in 
1911. 

The Excursionists' Pavilion 

The beginning was one of those chance happenings that no one thinks 
very much about. And this is the plain, unvarnished tale of how it came 
to pass. 

Among the groups of excursionists that swarmed over the "twin 
resorts" on a certain summer day, several years ago, was a young German 
woman with her family of little children. Simple folk they were, used by 
necessity to frugal ways, to whom this day at the seashore was appar- 
ently a rare and wondrous treat. Probably no one of them had ever 
heard of a "shore dinner" or seen the inside of a hotel or restaurant. But 
no happier picnic party could have been found along the coast than this 
little family when luncheon time came round and they drew excitedly 



104 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



about the modest feast brought from home and spread on a newspaper on 
the sand north of the Ocean Grove Pavilion. 

Quite ignorant of boundary lines, they had chosen a bit of the beach 




just north of the Wesley Lake flume. Young appetites were keen, and the 
murmur of the sea, lapping almost to their feet, made as tuneful music 
to their ears as any high-priced orchestra could furnish. So, oblivious to 
everything but the food and the enchanting novelty of their surroundings, 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 105 

they sat and ate in uttermost contentment. And to The-Man-Who- 
Looked-On — there seemed to be only one such — they made a pleasant pic- 
ture. 

But suddenly the scene was changed. Down upon the unconscious 
group swooped an overzealous officer of the law, somewhat roughly order- 
ing the startled family to leave the beach and betake themselves and their 
"victuals" to the place provided for such uses, several blocks back from the 
shore. To many children a policeman's uniform and badge mean just one 
awesome thing. One of the little fellows caught at his mother's hand 
and asked piteously, with quivering lips, "Is we arrested?" The others, in 
scared silence, huddled close as they began to pick their way from the 
friendly sand in the direction indicated. 

Somehow the pathos of the little scene touched The-Man-Who- 
Looked-On. He tried to intercede for the bewildered party, then took it 
under his own charge, and presently had the satisfaction of seeing the in- 
terrupted meal comfortably resumed upon one of the ice cream tables on 
the North End Pavilion. It was some time, to be sure, before the little 
fellow who had been terrified at the thought of having been "arrested" 
could be wholly reassured. But even this was at last successfully accom- 
plished, the bestowal of a few soda water checks completed the children's 
happiness, and all was well once more. 

But The-Man-Who-Looked-On went on thinking. After all, the in- 
cident was but one of many such which might happen every day. And 
gradually the thinking took form and crystallized in the idea which led to 
the construction, before another summer, of the Excursionists' Pavilion — 
a place where chairs and tables are provided and visitors made freely wel- 
come to their use — a place not back among the prosaic sights and sounds of 
public streets, but directly over the sand and the curling waves — a place 
where cool sea breezes give relish to the simplest box or basket luncheon, 
where the glory of old ocean lies spread before out-looking eyes, and where 
the boom of surf and splash of breakers mingles with the strains of the 
Pavilion Band in making most delicious music. All of which is just one 
part of Ocean Grove's welcome to her guests to-day. 

South End Memories 

The loss of the old Pavilion, with the consequent changed appearance 
of the entire South End, not only suggests varied possibilities for the future, 
but revives many vivid memories of both the near and the more distant past. 
A number of these have been brought to us and are full of interest. But 
few — and those only of the older generation — can recall much of the earlier 
history of this part of the place. 

The bathing privileges at Ocean Grove were originally held by Mr. 



io6 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



W. T. Street under a patent granted by the State of New Jersey. But at 
this time there was bathing only at the north end of the beach. Previous, 
however, to the expiration of the Street patent, in the year 1876, it had 
been thought to have bathing facilities at each end of the beach front, and 
leases were drawn up under contracts with individuals for the provision of 
such requirements. 

The first pavilion on this site was built by one hotel owner for the 
accommodation of his guests. It was called by his name, and for many 




THE SOUTH EXD PAVILION, FORMERLY LILLAGORE S, WAS 
TOTALLY DESTROYED BY FIRE ON APRIL 2 1 ST, IQI5 



years the whole establishment continued to be known as "Lillagore's." 
Although neither very large nor very substantial, this pavilion served an 
excellent purpose and was for its time an admirable and attractive struc- 
ture. But it became the frequent prey of winter storms, as well as the 
occasional victim of a summer tempest, receiving damage from both winds 
and waves, so that it had repeatedly to be rebuilt, at much expense to its 
owner. Each time that this occurred, considerable additions and improve- 
ments were made, including hot and cold sea water baths, an inclosed 
swimming pool, a restaurant, and other desirable features. 

In 1904, when the old Auditorium was removed to make place for the 
present structure, it was decided to reerect it, in somewhat modified form, 
as a pavilion at the South End. This was successfully done, and when 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 107 

completed it provided the commodious and cool retreat, far superior to the 
accommodations then existing at the North End, known as "Ross's." Some 
years ago the establishment came into the possession and under the direct 
management of the Ocean Grove Association; but the equipment having 
begun to be regarded as less than adequate, the Association was planning 
still further extensions and improvements, some of which, indeed, were 
already begun, when the fire occurred which utterly destroyed the whole of 
the South End group. 

The most hallowed and tender of associations with this site were 
naturally those which clustered about the old Auditorium. Many there 
were who could hardly pass beneath its roof without recalling successive 
memories of the past — how, when this building succeeded the green pine 
"bowers" built in front of the original "Preachers' Stand," ample provision 
was believed to have been made for all future congregations, inasmuch as it 
was inconceivable that any speaker could be heard by a larger audience 
than the six thousand persons who could be seated on the benches or settees 
which it contained ; how these very beams and rafters had vibrated to the 
utterances of great orators like Bishop Newman, General Gordon, Colonel 
Bain, and scores of others; how between the slender wooden pillars had 
been massed attentive, earnest faces, while from the little elevation of the 
platform, looked down the revered countenances of Osborne, the founder of 
Ocean Grove; of Dr. Stokes, its first and only president until the time of 
his death, of Inskip, Stockton, Cookman, and many more whose names will 
never quite be forgotten in this place. Even the rhythm and deep reverber- 
ations of the waves, as one sat here, seemed somehow touched with the 
harmonies with which these timbers had been used to ring when thousands 
of worshipers gathered under the same roof back yonder in the grove, had 
lifted up their voices in a volume of song such as nowhere else was ever 
heard. And it was not difficult to fancy that one saw again the very faces 
of Sweeney and Kirkpatrick and Willisford Dey, as in summers gone they 
led the multitudes in the dear, familiar hymns. 

But memories are more enduring than material things. And is it 
strange that to some the smoke rising through that April night of the holo- 
caust seemed like incense of old casting its shadow on the awed faces of the 
beholders? 

The New South End Pavilion 

Foremost among the pleasant surprises which Ocean Grove held in 
store for its summer visitors in 19 16 was the new Pavilion at the South 
End. Every one knew, of course, that something of the kind was in pro- 
cess of construction, but no one could have been quite prepared for the ac- 
tual impression made by this spacious and beautiful structure. 



108 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

By no means a copy or imitation, the new Pavilion was in perfect ar- 
tistic harmony with its popular older sister at the North End. The two to- 
gether, with the wide and unobstructed Board Walk between, now form a 
well-composed and balanced picture, the like of which, for fine and simple 
proportions, is rarely to be found. Whether seen by day, standing out in 
white relief against the blue of the summer sky, or by night, glitteringly 
outlined in the darkness by their hundreds of electric lights, both alike ap- 
pear as fairy palaces of pleasure. 

The interior of the new Pavilion, with its immense unencumbered 
floor space and abundant supply of easy-chairs and rockers, is in full keeping 




THE NEW SOUTH END PAVILION 

with its external beauty. Adding to this the number and excellence of the 
bath-houses and the many other provisions for the comfort and enjoyment of 
patrons of all ages, no one can wonder at the instant and growing popu- 
uarity of "the new South End." 

STREETS AND ENTRANCES 

In 1874 the entrance to Ocean Grove at Main Avenue was greatly 
improved by grading and graceful curving of the lines permitting a tri- 
angular plot which was sodded and otherwise beautified. 

It was not until December 24, 1890, that the old wooden gates at 
Main Avenue entrance were superseded by new iron gates, at a cost of 
$455. The first to pass through these gates, in one of Mr. Stiles' stages, 
were the officers of the Association. 

The New Main Avenue Gates and the Story of the Inscriptions 

"O-oh!" In varied tones of surprise and admiration the exclamation 
burst from the lips of hundreds of arriving visitors in 19 16 — especially of 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 109 

those who have been former frequenters of Ocean Grove, familiar with the 
old swinging gates through which nine tenths of all the folk who came 
here have entered the place. For they were utterly gone, those old gates; 
and in their place the fine new portal, with its pillars of tapestry brick, 
offered if not a wider and heartier, at least a more cheery and impressive 
welcome alike to friends and strangers. 

Hundreds of feet too halted, and vehicles paused, that incomers might 
read the beautiful inscriptions on the tablets that greet the eyes of every 
arrival. 

"Enter Into His Gates With Thanksgiving/' The words 
sound the keynote of Ocean Grove's welcome so plainly that one can almost 




the old main avenue entrance 

hear as well as see them. And like the response of an antiphonal chorus 
comes the answering refrain from the other hand — "And Into His 
Courts With Praise." 

"How handsome! And how fitting!" is the quick tribute of apprecia- 
tion from every one who looks upon them. And so they are. But they are 
something more. The tablets, from the moment they were set in place, 
have not only been a choice decoration and the expression of an appropriate 
sentiment, but — to the little circle of "those who know" — they have daily 
told a sweet and intimate story of personal love and remembrance — a story 
almost too sacred for telling, yet quite too beautiful for keeping secret. 

No, there is no name engraved upon the bronze, look as closely as you 
will. In that sense these are not memorial tablets. Yet — again to the few 
who knew and have remembered — each recalls a name and a personality 
which a generation ago stood out in bright relief and whose real impress 
cannot be lost so long as influence extends from life to life adown the years. 

One is of a man, strong and splendid in his early prime, endowed 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE lit 

with unusual gifts of mind and body, already holding success in his hands 
and destined, as all who knew him believed, to rare eminence and dis- 
tinction in his chosen profession of law, yet suddenly called by an inscru- 
table Providence, from the sphere of earthly activity which he so adorned 
and served, to a larger work and higher place than any that this world can 
offer. 

The other vision is of a fair young girl, a slender, flower-like, winsome 
maid of only seventeen, sweet and pure as the lilies she loved best, left for 
a little while to breathe fragrance and balm into one stricken heart, to touch 
with light, transforming fingers some scores of other lives in little every- 
day contacts, to form her own high and joyous aspirations, then caught 
away to the garden of pure souls for her full and perfect blooming. 

How many lives have been made happier and better by the touch, 
direct or indirect, of these rare natures, who can tell? To some — more, 
perhaps, than any one may know — their memory is still a dear and uplift- 
ing possession. One, to whom these two were all the best in life, has gone 
softly and alone through more than thirty years for love of them. Always 
keeping in her heart a sanctuary of hushed remembrance whose altar candles 
have never flickered out, she has grown a white-haired woman, waiting and 
listening for her call to follow. 

It was this white-haired, lonely and loving woman, well known in 
Ocean Grove, where she has gone her quiet ways during the last few years, 
better known still in some of the larger cities in which she wrought during 
her days of wider activity, who, when the new gates were begun, modestly 
asked the privilege of contributing to their construction and in particular 
of placing the inscribed tablets on the central pillars. And so, no less than 
if the names of Isaac Vanneman Dickinson and Florence May Dickinson 
were emblazoned on the burnished metal, are these memorials of the loved 
and unforgotten, given as by their own hands and uttering their message of 
praise as if from their own lips. 

This, then, is the story of the inscriptions. Not he who runs may 
read. But to any who stop and listen it must surely add the crowning 
luster to the beauty of the new gates. 

Streets 

Much might be said about the significance of the names of the streets 
in Ocean Grove. (See Appendix.) If any confirmation were wanted 
that the founders of Ocean Grove designed it to be a religious seaside resort 
and that religion was the foremost thought, it would be found in the names 
of the streets, many of which have been named for noted persons in reli- 
gious life. 

In addition to this, certain streets were named for their location, 



112 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



such as Ocean Avenue, paralleling the ocean ; Ocean Pathway, extending 
from the Auditorium to the Ocean ; Pilgrim Pathway, leading in both 
directions to the Auditorium — all of which are characteristic. 




Many times the question has been asked why the same streets east 
and west of Pilgrim Pathway bear different names. The answer is 
simple when one remembers that "Sea Drift Heights," an immense sand- 
bank, extended from Wesley Lake to Fletcher Lake, the removal of which 




L_ 



NEW JERSEY AVENUE ENTRANCE 



ii4 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



seemed altogether improbable at the time the streets were laid out. So to 
designate the location the streets to the east bore one name and those to 
the west another, thus indicating which side of "Sea Drift Heights" they 
were located. The first streets to be cut through were Bath and Pitman 
Avenues and Olin Street. 




EARLY COTTAGE OF J. R. DANIELS, PITMAN AVENUE NEAR THE OCEAN, THE 
FIRST "ALASKA" 



The most striking street or parkway in Ocean Grove is that called 
Ocean Pathway, extending from the "preaching stand to the ocean." As 
early as 1874 it is said that "on either side of it are fields of buckwheat 
which perfume the air and charm the eye." This thoroughfare is two hun- 
dred feet wide at the Auditorium and three hundred feet in width at the 
ocean. 

To enable the leaseholders on the avenues which extend from Central 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



i5 



Avenue to the Ocean to have an unobstructed view of the latter, these 
avenues were made wider at the Ocean end than at Central Avenue. At 
the beginning there were small inclosed parkways in the spaces between 
Beach Avenue and the ocean. 

Huge sand drifts like "Sea Drift Heights" were on the line of Ocean 




PILGRIM PATHWAY IN THE EARLY SEVENTIES 



Avenue from Wesley to Fletcher Lakes. These were finally removed in 
1874, except one immediately south of Ocean Pathway, which was left for 
the purpose of filling in a great excavation to the east "from which many 
thousand loads of clay" had been taken for road-making purposes. 

The sandbank on Central Avenue, where formerly stood a summer 
house constructed by the Rev. George Hughes, was leveled in 1874 and 
the summer house removed to Fairy Island. The summer house was 



n6 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



painted, the island beautified, and the following year was connected with 
the mainland by a neat rustic bridge. 

A sandbank north of Ocean Pathway was used to fill in a strip of land 
along Wesley Lake which not only made the bank conform to other parts, 
but created three additional merchantable lots. 




CENTRAL AVENUE FROM MAIN AVENUE 



It is surprising to know that although many of the property owners 
on the avenues leading to the sea were in favor of a proposed change to 
give the use of the parkways to the householders, it was a long time before 
the majority approved so that the work might proceed. In 1880 Pitman 
Avenue lacked three votes. The following year the property owners on 
Pitman Avenue fell into line. The improvement and general appearance 
was so great, with the addition of some twenty-two thousand square feet of 
sod interspersed with flowers, that property owners on other avenues 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



117 



quickly followed in giving approval. The maximum cost was $80 per lot of 
sixty feet front, and the smallest $15. 

These improvements to the flaring avenues led then to the suggestion 
that the "desolate waste of glaring sand," one hundred and fifty-four feet 




MAIN AVENUE AND THE POST OFFICE, FROM CENTRAL AVENUE 



wide at Lillagore's (South End) and one hundred and forty-five feet wide 
at Ross's (North End) be also improved in like manner. 

In 1882 Clark, Franklin, Stockton Avenues were graded from Central 
Avenue west to the turnpike, while others were paved and graded south to 
Fletcher Lake. In a few years all the streets and avenues, hastily laid out 
at the beginning had, at considerable labor and cost, been rearranged and 



u8 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

improved. The lines had been straightened so that the use of additional 
frontage between the building line and the curb had been granted; all had 
been laid to sod and the sidewalks curbed with stone. All of this added 





1 


C eTixra.1 




■ ji 




■hi 




BB: 




bH ; .' 




M 


J3 e a^ck- 




BBlf 




4lj 




mil 




■HI;! 




eBSli 



1 


i 








Avenue. 




;|H 




0) 

2 


illJF 




III 






jjni 




jjInB 






AveTtxie . 


2 


ilUlP 




II Hi 






I !■ 




II if 






iiBb 





THE FLARING AVENUES 



greatly to the value of private property and to tiie general appearance of 
Ocean Grove. 

In order to appreciate what had been accomplished one must consider 
that there are upward of thirteen miles of avenues, with twenty-seven miles 
of sidewalks. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



119 



PARKS 

In 1875 a plot of vacant ground between the lumber yard and the 
book store facing Pitman Avenue was set apart to be laid out in walks 




CENTENNIAL PARK 



and sown to grass according to a plan submitted. This was named "Cen- 
tennial Park," being thus prepared in the Centennial year. It was that year 
adorned with flowers, and on July 31 "received a beautiful vase, the result 
of a little private subscription, and dedicated as the 'Young People's Vase 
of Ocean Grove,' in commemoration of the seventh anniversary." 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 




THE ASBURY TRIANGLE 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 121 

Ten plots of ground had been reserved for parks, namely: 
Thompson (now Founders'), Greenleaf, Woodlawn, Evergreen, Mc- 
Kendrie, Central, Memorial, Centennial, Park Square, and Park Heights, 
to say nothing of the unnamed plots — four on Ocean Pathway, and ten 




others, one at the foot of each avenue as it widens out to the sea — twenty- 
four in all. 

Upon these parks some labor had been bestowed at first, but no con- 
siderable outlays of money, for the reason that funds were in greater de- 
mand for other improvements, less ethical and more substantial. It was 



122 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



soon discovered, however, that on several of these plots, as well as around 
the congregation grounds, quite a number of smaller trees were dying. 
This grew out of the fact that they were in many cases merely shoots from 
stumps partly decayed and had but little root. Strong, healthy maples 
and poplar trees of as large size as was safe to transplant were set in the 




MEMORIAL PARK MONUMENT UNVEILED JULY 3 I, I 875 



places made vacant by such deaths, and this practice continued from year 
to year. 

Thompson Park had received a little attention, but needed more. 
The spaces on Ocean Pathway between the Auditorium and the sea greatly 
needed improving. Of these latter, the first steps toward improvement 
were to prepare them with top soil and to sow buckwheat. 

It is recorded that Mr. Sheldon, the proprietor of the Sheldon House 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 123 

facing Thompson Park, did, "at his own expense, beautify Thompson Park 
by erecting a beautiful fountain surrounded with pool, mounds, and flowers ; 
two artistic summer houses, and one dozen rustic settees," for which he 
received the thanks of the Association. 

Memorial Park 

After removing the sand drift, leveling, soiling, and seeding the plot 
of ground immediately opposite the Association Office, it was named 
"Memorial Park." 

"It was all important," thought the founders, "that this place, where 
the multitudes arrived and from which they departed, should be of such a 
character that the first and last impression be pleasant." And this spot 
became a place of beauty and attraction. 

Central Park was subsequently laid out in lots. In 1878 Memorial 
and Centennial Parks were the best improved, and were objects of beauty. 

In 1 88 1 Thompson Park was recommended for improvement to re- 
lieve the annoyance of increasing crowds which "gather around the Audi- 
torium with lunch baskets and bundles." 

LAKES 

To the north and south of Ocean Grove respectively, the natural 
boundaries are the lakes. To the north, Wesley Lake, originally known 
as Long Pond, and to the south Fletcher Lake, formerly known as Goose 
Pond. 

Both Wesley Lake and Fletcher Lake are natural bodies of water, 
though not infrequently storms and the beating waves of the surf would 
cut out the sand embankment and permit their waters to flow into the 
ocean. On several occasions this happened to Wesley Lake just at the 
time of camp meeting. In the course of a few years it became necessary to 
build dams, floodgates, and flumes to control the water in the lakes, 
whether increased by heavy rains or attacked by the surf. 

Before the advent of the footbridges regular ferries were maintained, 
first at the foot of Pilgrim Pathway and later at New Jersey Avenue. 
One cent was the fare charged for crossing. On Sundays the boats were 
operated for the convenience of those attending worship, without charge. 

Boating, like bathing, has always been considered purely a recreation 
and has neither been encouraged or permitted on Sunday on either of the 
lakes. This has been possible by the cooperation of Mr. Bradley and later 
Asbury Park, whose boundary line adjoins Ocean Grove and follows the 
middle of the lake. Ocean Grove owns practically both sides of Fletcher 
Lake. 



124 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



One of the beauty spots in Wesley Lake was a little island called 
"Fairy Island," connected by an attractive rustic bridge from McKendree 
Park. Fairy Island was later removed, but its site was in the lake a few 
feet distant from where the large willows now stand. 

For years Fletcher Lake, whose water was clear and pure, provided 




AT THE OLD FERRY PILGRIM PATHWAY 



the ice for the use of the summer residents, the icehouse having been lo- 
cated near the head of the lake. 

The dam at Wesley Lake, reconstructed in 1880, stretched one hun- 
dred and seventy-five feet across the lake; the flume two hundred and 
thirty-four feet long, twelve feet wide, six feet high; at a cost of $1,930. 
Half of this amount was paid by Ocean Grove and half by Mr. Bradley 
on behalf of Asbury Park. 

In 1882 Fletcher Lake was extended westward nearly five hundred 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 125 

feet toward the turnpike, and widened to one hundred and sixty-eight feet. 
From the material removed the whole southwestern part of the grounds 
was graded. 

During the same year, along Wesley Lake the terrace was continued 




FAIRY ISLAND WESLEY LAKE 

(From an old wood cut) 

on the south bank from Pilgrim Pathway to Beach Avenue. There were 
four hundred and sixty-two boats on the lake. Sixty-four licenses were 
issued by Ocean Grove. Boats, as a rule, were comfortable, nicely 
cushioned and ornamented. There being no electric lights along the lake 
in those days, the presence of two hundred or three hundred of the lake 



i 2 6 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

boats out on the water, "each bearing from one to five lighted Chinese 
lanterns," presented an interesting scene. 

Although Wesley Lake has not played a title role in the drama of 
Ocean Grove's history, its part has never been a minor one. Ocean Grove, 
indeed, would hardly have been Ocean Grove without the lake. And if 




THE HAYWOOD COTTAGE IN THE EIGHTIES 

the scenes which have been successively reflected on its surface during 
nearly fifty years past could have been fixed in a cinema film, scarcely 
a written word or a line of print would be needed to make the story of the 
development of the place alike clear and fascinating. 

But most of the pictures are engraved only in the memories of those 
who saw them lived; and even of such, few in these hurrying days have time 
to pause upon the bridge and gaze down with the "inward eye" upon their 
shifting through the vanished years. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



127 



The lake as it was when Ocean Grove was founded — you would not 
recognize it in that little pond with the uninviting name, its irregular 
margin bordered by scrubby trees and tangled bushes at one end and by 
swelling sand drifts at the other. But it had its attractions even then. 
The green and the gray were prettily mirrored on its bosom, and in its 
depths were repeated then as now the fathomless blue and fleecy white of 
summer skies. It was partly because of this little sheet of spring-fed 




WESLEY LAKE 



fresh water so close to the briny ocean that the site of Ocean Grove was 
chosen. 

There were no bridges then to Asbury Park. There was, indeed, no 
Asbury Park — nothing but a wilderness of small oaks, pines, and huckle- 
berry bushes, into which only brave, adventurous spirits cared to penetrate 
far. But there was a boat — just one, a clumsy, superannuated fishing- 
boat, secured by the founder from some source and named by him the 
Barbara Heck — in which the favored few (we were so "few" then that 
we all were "favored") enjoyed occasional rows to and from the beach or 
to the opposite shore. 

How rapidly it all was changed ! The clearing of the banks, the 



128 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

building up and sodding of the pretty terraces, the erection of the charming 
cottages — these soon transformed the scene. And the boats ! O, yes, there 
are boats now, of course! But you know nothing of what boating on 
Wesley Lake meant forty years ago. 

There were no merry-go-rounds then, remember, no observation 



' w. 




FAIRY ISLAND WESLEY LAKE 



wheels, excursion yachts, moving-picture shows, automobiles, nor even 
bicycles — of small use the last two would have been on our sand-dunes ! — 
to provide amusement for either young or old. All we had was the lake. 
But we made the most of it, and it was years before we thought of craving 
more. 

From five to six hundred pretty little craft used to float at once on 
Wesley Lake during those far-back summers. Most of them were more or 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



129 



less elaborately upholstered, with bright-colored cushions and rugs, striped 
awnings, flags, and at night innumerable gay little paper lanterns in strings 
and clusters, darting hither and thither in whimsical, broken rhythms. So 
many were they, and so fanciful, that every day was like a regatta and 




every night a carnival. For there were no electric lights, either, and in the 
surrounding darkness the thousands of colored lanterns made the lake like 
a bit of fairyland. 

Everyone went rowing then. And the boat business was the best- 
paying one in the place. Across the lake one cent, up or down ten cents, 



1 3 o THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

an hour's row for half a dollar — why, the lads who ran the boats fairly 
coined money, a hundred and fifty dollars or more in a single vacation! 
More than one man now eminent in commercial or professional life will 
tell you how he made his first bank account or earned a part of his college 
course on Wesley Lake. To say nothing of all the fun he had ! 

Romance nourished here, too. Ask one of those boat-boys, now gray- 
haired, to tell you of the pairs of lovers who used to sit dreamily side by 
side against the cushioned backs and be rowed slowly up and down the 
lake. They were the most profitable of customers, those couples! 

Up near the head of the lake was a picturesque little island — "Fairy 
Island" — long since removed, connected with the shore, for a time, by a 
pretty rustic bridge. It was such a tiny island that grown folk could do 
little more than look at it. But children's fancy knows no dimensions, and 
Fairy Island was a whole fairy world, reached after many thrilling ad- 
ventures over a bounding main, and containing buried treasures of which 
one could speak but with baited breath. 

There was the wading too, and the fishing. And many a youngster, 
in the days before the "pool," learned to swim with a piece of old board in 
Wesley Lake. For the timorous, as well as the very young, the lake was 
a favorite bathing-place, and often a little lazy dallying in its smooth water 
was combined with the more strenuous battling with the breakers. 

But the water was not always smooth. Sometimes a fierce north- 
easter would whip its surface into a miniature turbulent sea. Then (if 
you were young enough) you would furl your awning, ship your oars, be 
borne swiftly up the current, and finally be driven against a foreign shore 
or dashed upon a desert island — where Fairy Island was yesterday! 

At some time during nearly every summer in the years before sluice- 
ways and floodgates, such a storm would break the unsubstantial, sandy 
barrier between lake and ocean and the former would slip swiftly out to 
sea, leaving only a bed of mud. This had a way of happening somewhere 
about Camp Meeting time, whereupon some one would always lift up his 
voice and charge the president, our genial Dr. Stokes, with having pur- 
posely drained the lake, in order that its pleasures might not distract interest 
from the meetings ! 

Occasionally, however, Wesley Lake bore its part in the religious 
services. Once, at least, as the writer recalls, very quietly and privately, 
in the solemn light of the stars, a baptism by immersion was performed in 
its waters, the candidate having begun his Christian life at the Camp Meet- 
ing and desiring the rite to be administered in that form. 

Trees 
It was necessary to cut out many thousands of small trees in clearing 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



131 




£ i 



M < 



i 3 2 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

the grounds and opening up the streets and avenues with a view to the 
future. The practice of planting trees began in 1878; then between one 
hundred and two hundred maple trees were set out. Some of them were 
in the grove around the Auditorium; some on Ocean Pathway between 
Central Avenue and Pilgrim Pathway, and others in Thompson (now 
Founders') Park, Centennial, and Memorial Parks. 

Trees, like men, decline and die. This was true at Ocean Grove. 
Many of the trees of native growth were merely sprouts from the cuttings 
of former years, and hence not reliable for the ordinary length of tree life. 
The pines, particularly, steadily declined as cultivation advanced. There- 
fore, to keep and advance the beauty of the place, the second Wednesday 
of April of each year was set apart to be an annual festival at Ocean 
Grove and to be called "Tree Planting Day." It was then that the Ocean 
Grove Association, by its example of setting out trees along the streets 
and elsewhere, encouraged the leaseholders to do the same upon their own 
grounds. 

In 1879 five hundred and thirty-five trees were set out by the Asso- 
ciation along Pilgrim Pathway from Pitman Avenue to the Lake, and in 
Centennial, Memorial, and Thompson Parks, and the two new inclosures 
at the head of Ocean Pathway. 

It is a matter of peculiar and touching interest to say that in 1882, at 
the suggestion of a friend of Ocean Grove, the venerable and greatly be- 
loved Bishop Scott, who was then lying at his home in great feebleness, 
sent two small cedar trees from his own farm near Odessa, Delaware, to 
be planted in his name. They Avere received and set just opposite the 
Young People's Temple near the large fountain, and were watched over 
with tenderest care. It is a significant incident that one of these trees lin- 
gered in a declining state until about the 13th of July, when the saintly 
bishop passed into immortality; it then became evident its life was extinct. 
The other continued to flourish. 

In 1883 there was planted in Centennial Park, opposite the Tabernacle, 
a tall, straight maple for, and in the name of each bishop of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church constituting the episcopal board as it existed at the close 
of the General Conference in 1880. 

How different things look from other than the usual viewpoint! And 
this is no exception at Ocean Grove. From the small grove of scrub oaks 
and pine trees and a barren waste of sand dunes — so high as to effectually 
prevent a view of the ocean unless one bad climbed laboriously through the 
yielding sand to the crest on the one which paralleled the shore — Ocean 
Grove has been transformed into a most delightful resort by the sea. 

Viewing the place from above the tree tops, as do the birds, one gains 
an entirely different impression than that obtained in walking through its 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 133 

streets. What a wealth of green foliage greets the eye as seemingly it 
tries to hide the cottages, bungalows, and tents ! How cool and inviting ap- 
pears to be the shade under the wide-spreading boughs ! How restful it all 
is ! And how quiet and peaceful ! 

No other seashore resort in the world, we are told, can boast of so 
many trees as are found at Ocean Grove. But these did not all "happen" 
to be where they are to-day. There were trees, to be sure, on the spot we 
now know and call Ocean Grove when it was "discovered," for the com- 
bination of ocean and grove provided the appropriate name for the place — 
Ocean Grove. Just how the name was decided upon is an interesting story 
of itself. 

By care and cultivation some of the trees have continued to grow, but 
many had to be cut away in clearing for the streets and tents, and later for 
the cottages and bungalows. While this was being done, however, other 
trees to replace them were being planted alongside the newly made streets, 
in the parks, and about the tents and cottages, and most of these have lived 
and thrived. 

Every year trees are planted by the Association at some spot or along 
some street, where needed, for the shade they will later afford, or for the 
future beauty of the place for the landscape effect. Not only does the 
Association plant trees but the leaseholders do likewise, and frequently they 
strive with one another to excel in increasing the attractiveness of their 
surroundings. And woe to anyone who willfully destroys a tree at Ocean 
Grove ! 

For many years the unique custom has prevailed at Ocean Grove, on 
Arbor Day, of planting memorial trees for those who have departed this 
life during the year preceding. A simple but interesting service is held at 
each spot where a tree is planted. Some one, who has known the person in 
life whose memory is thus to be honored, will speak of some characteristic, 
or of some service rendered, or of some event which it is appropriate to re- 
call on such an occasion, while the arborist firmly sets the tree in mother 
earth ; after which there follows a short prayer of dedication. 

The thought — a beautiful one indeed — of perpetuating the memory 
of those who themselves have helped to perpetuate Ocean Grove, has 
resulted in a two-fold benefit : The trees become living memorials, while at 
the same time they add to the beauty of the place. 

Where are the memorial trees? Everywhere; in the parks, in rows 
alongside the streets, and very many around the Auditorium, the Taber- 
nacle, and the Young People's Temple. Some of them bear nameplates, 
but from most of them the names have disappeared. But the trees grow 
on, rich in foliage and color, gracefully casting their shadows over all who 
pass beneath their spreading branches. Those around the Auditorium, 



134 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



Tabernacle, and Young People's Temple have been likened to watchful 
sentinels ever guarding the "Camp" that no enemy may enter to desecrate 
or destroy. 

TENTS, COTTAGES, AND HOTELS 

Being primarily a camp ground, tents were the abode of the people. 
These, for the first two or three seasons, were rented from the Round Lake 
Association. Finding this to be inconvenient, expensive, and unsatisfactory, 




TENTS WERE THE ABODE OF THE PEOPLE 



there was a purchase made in 1871 of fifty new tents, and later in the sea- 
son one hundred more, the large size (to accommodate families of six to 
twelve persons) being mainly in demand; to these were added forty-three 
second-hand tents acquired by purchase. Thus at the end of 1 871 the Asso- 
ciation owned two hundred and one tents, but these were not sufficient to 
meet the demand. 

After several years' experience, in 1879 it became necessary to re- 
arrange the tent grounds around and near the Auditorium. At this time 
the tents were placed farther apart ; the avenues were widened, and sub- 
stantial posts erected and permanent floors laid. About seven hundred tents 
were in use at this time. 

The necessity for additional tent room for religious services was 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



■35 



emphasized from time to time, but the construction of permanent buildings 
made the securing of these unnecessary. 

What's in a Name? 

Most regular summer residents and visitors to Ocean Grove are 
familiar with the names and locations of our principal and permanent 




fy 



i JFfi 



y^r >; ,' ' \L 



THE OLD-FASHIONED BOARDING TENT 



blocks of tents — Auditorium Circle, Bethany, and Bethesda. But many, 
probably, have scarcely thought of the history and significance of their 
appellations. 

The first, to be sure, is obvious enough, the name being frankly de- 
scriptive, but glancing through the Fourteenth Annual Report of the 
president, printed in 1883, one will find the following interesting and sug- 
gestive paragraph, referring to our attractive Bethany : 



136 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



"The plot of ground lying between Central Avenue and Pilgrim 
Pathway, Ocean Pathway and Bath Avenue, so long the unsightly re- 
ceptacle of old bunks and tent poles, has been transformed into a beautiful 
canvas village, called Bethany, because of its proximity to the Jerusalem 
Model; 'Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs 



HBH»%6.€'2i 


&t8§[ S^^*^ ' ■ "«8B 


'ffRVV^ \rj 




?Tw 






I 


vjt *Sl t' 




HRi ^B fV t, I hi 


Rffi 






L ) W|H 




lii: w 


l|^J| 


' i — ; 




^^P» 




■ _J f : 


..'"■"* 


^^3H 




J8 


m% 










wPB^ v 











LAKE PATHWAY IN 1870, DR. STOKES AND ALFRED COOKMAN IN LEFT 
FOREGROUND 



off.' This cluster consists of twenty-four tent cottages, all of which have 
frame attachments in the rear. . . . The square court in the rear is well 
supplied with Avater, trees, and such conveniences as the place demands. 
This whole tent village is inclosed with a picket fence. . . . Inside 
the ground is covered with sods, fresh and green, with painted tubs before 
each door, filled with earth for flowers." 

During the thirty-five years since Dr. Stokes, with his quick and 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



i37 



poetic imagination, bestowed the name of Bethany and wrote these words, 
fewer apparent changes have been made in the Bethany Block than in 
most other parts of Ocean Grove. The installation of separate water 
and gas service, the substitution of the present pretty green hedge for the 




BETHANY 



original fence, are the chief ones. The little canvas village is still the 
same Bethany, nigh unto Jerusalem. 

In the Sixteenth Report, two years later, we find the first mention of 
Bethsaida Block, close to the end of the lake and Ross's, now the North 
End, Bathing Ground. Its name, chosen for a like reason, has grown only 
more appropriate with the passing of the years and the establishment and 
evolution of the "Pool." 



138 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



Dr. Stokes wrote of the popularity of these tiny tent communities 
and the demand for accommodations in them. Could he revisit Ocean 
Grove, the earthly home of his great heart, to-day, he would find this 
popularity and demand not less, but greater, with the outward surround- 
ings even more beautiful than he had ever known them. 

At the Old-Time Camp Meeting 
When The Methodist, a paper published by the Rev. Adam Wallace, 




TENT OF THE LATE DR. CHARLES N. KARSNER, FORMERLY 

LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF PILGRIM PATHWAY 

NEAR THE AUDITORIUM 



announced to the people of Philadelphia that it was proposed to form a 
Camp Meeting Association, and have a camp meeting by the sea ; and that 
Ocean Grove had been selected as its site, the Christian people of that great 
city immediately became interested ; the talk of Ocean Grove and its Camp 
Meeting was universal. 

"My father," said Charles W. Karsner, "was always an ardent camp- 
meeting follower, and early announced that as for him and his family, 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



139 



Ocean Grove Camp must be the destination, and we packed up for the 
shore. Well! The day came and the people came. There was the grove 
of trees, the sea, the stand for the preachers, the benches and straw for the 
people, and an altar was erected. Mr. Perry, of Philadelphia clothing 
house fame, and myself, slept under a little A tent, on straw. The tent 
was so small we were obliged to go in on our hands and knees. But never 
was sleep sweeter, or rest more refreshing. 




PIONEER COTTAGE 



"But such a Camp Meeting! I wish for ability to fittingly describe 
it. The preachers were aflame with zeal, enthusiasm, and power, and the 
faces of the people fairly glowed with the sweetness of that peace which 
passes all our understanding. The shouts of the saints and saved, min- 
gled in happy exaltation. The camp fires seemed endowed with more bril- 
liancy; the sand hill east of Pilgrim Pathway seemed to swell with pride; 
the waves tumbled more joyously; the sea roared louder; and everybody 
knew when that camp was over, that the Lord had been there and had 
placed his seal of approval on the work of the Ocean Grove Camp Meet- 
ing Association. 

"My father's tent was located near the Auditorium, on the east side 



140 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



of Pilgrim Pathway, and was occupied by him every year until the de- 
velopment of the Grove demanded the place as a public square with a 
fountain. General U. S. Grant and my father had been personal friends 
since the Civil War, in which my father served the country, and the Gen- 
eral used this tent to receive friends during his visits to the Grove. He 




THE ORIGINAL HOWLAND HOUSE 



frequently expressed his pleasure at being again in a tent and thought the 
tent life of early Ocean Grove to be ideal." 

The first cottage, called "Pioneer Cottage," was built in June, 1870, 
by H. Y. Lazear, of Warsaw, New York. It was erected on Asbury 
Avenue, near Wesley Place. 

Then came the other cottages and boarding houses. The Howland 
House, starting in a cottage, Ocean Hall for boarding and lodging, 
and the Osborn House named for the founder. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



141 



Some of the boarding houses were very plain and their names signified 
the spirit within, as the Friendship Cottage. 

In the light of the present development at the North End, it is sig- 
nificant to find the following reference in the report of the president of 
the Ocean Grove Association forty-three years ago. 




FRIENDSHIP COTTAGE MOUNT ZION WAY 



"There are persons of high standing and influence who think that 
the interests of the Association and Christianity both demand, for the 
accommodation of a class who desire to visit our grounds, that there should 
be erected on the point of land north of Spray Avenue, west of the bath- 
house and near the foot of Wesley Lake, ... a large, well-furnished, 
well-kept, and in every sense first-class, hotel. Without such accommoda- 
tions, it is claimed, the place, failing to measure up with others not remote, 
will suffer, as persons of means will go where they can get entertainment in 
accordance with their views, and so be under influence less beneficial than 
we could throw around them." 



142 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



In 1878 the ground occupied by the lumber yard and storehouse was 
sold to Charles E. Howland to enable him to extend his new building known 
as The Arlington. This gave Mr. Howland the occupancy of the entire 
block and enabled him to have the main entrance facing Centennial Park. 




OCEAN HALL 



Another Landmark Gone 

The fire which, early in the morning of Sunday, February 17, 191 8, 
destroyed the Fountain House, swept away one of the oldest and best-known 
of the larger buildings of Ocean Grove. It is not so many years, to be 
sure — five or six, perhaps — that there has been a "Fountain House" here. 
But who that is now living can remember Ocean Grove without the Shel- 



don He 



And the Fountain House and the Sheldon House were one. 



The original hotel erected on this site in 1876 was the early and rapid 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



143 



evolution from a boarding house owned and managed by Welcome 
Sheldon, one of the members of the Ocean Grove community almost at its 
beginning. To the folk of those days this large hostelry, occupying prac- 
tically an entire block, was quite a stupendous affair, suggestive of almost 
incredible affluence on the part of its patrons. Nevertheless, it was 




THE ORIGINAL ARLINGTON 



promptly and continuously successful, being so well patronized that it had 
speedily to be enlarged and improved to meet the requirements of its grow- 
ing clientele. We were unsophisticated in those days, and when in 1879, we 
read in the newspaper and actually saw with our own eyes such added im- 
provements as "bells and speaking tubes from each room to the office, tele- 
phone to different parts of the town, gas in all rooms, elevator of the most 
improved construction, numerous fire escapes, and a monster safe in the 
office for the storage of valuables," we felt indeed that here the last word in 



144 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



hotel luxury and equipment had been uttered. Then, almost before we 
knew it came the announcement of rooms thoroughly heated by steam, warm 
salt water baths, galvanic and electric baths "given under the direction of an 
experienced gentleman," the water being pumped from the ocean by an 
engine on the premises and "as pure and clean as the ocean itself," and the 




OSBORN HOUSE NAMED FOR THE FOUNDER OF OCl-IAX GROVE 



humblest of Ocean Grovers swelled with conscious pride at the possession 
of such a palatial caravansary. We lived on contentedly in our tents or 
tiny cottages; but we boasted of the Sheldon House and took our visitors 
to its roof to see the then famous bird's-eye view of Ocean Grove and its 
surroundings, hoping that at the same time they were duly impressed by the 
elegance through which they passed and at which we ourselves looked with 
tingling awe from the corners of our eyes. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



i45 



Times have changed since then, and what seemed to us the summit of 
achievement are the commonplaces of modern hotel equipment. But the 
old Sheldon always held its own and marched with the progress of the 
years. Several times it has changed hands, one of its owners having 
been M. M. Belding, of spool silk fame. Several times, also, it has been 
damaged by fire. On a September evening in 1901 flames destroyed the 
entire fourth story, many of the prominent residents and summer visitors 
being at the time enjoying a banquet with the Auditorium ushers and 




(From an old wood cut.) 
BIRD'S-EYE VIEW FROM THE SHELDON HOUSE 



their friends in the Temple, and some of them knowing nothing until after- 
ward of the fire and the danger to the entire place so successfully averted 
by our excellent fire companies. 

A few years ago the name of the hotel was changed by its then owner, 
Mr. L. J. Arthur, to "Fountain House," with reference to its proximity 
to and view of the Memorial Fountain in Founders' (formerly Thompson) 
Park. But to old timers it has always been the Sheldon House. 

Many distinguished and honorable visitors — and of such Ocean Grove 
has had a goodly share — have been entertained here and have given flatter- 
ing testimony to the treatment they have received. Many delightful "func- 
tions" have been held within the spacious rooms. Innumerable pleasant 
associations add poignancy to the sense of loss we feel at the passing of our 
first large hotel. That the fire which consumed the Fountain House did 
not sweep away a large part of Ocean Grove is due to Providence and the 
heroic efforts of a fire department unsurpassed for morale and efficiency. 



i 4 6 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

Some of the surrounding buildings were more or less damaged, but the 

injuries have already been entirely repaired. 

So another old landmark has vanished. It will be missed and much 
regretted. But that in the fine and eligible open space left by the clearing 
away of the debris a suitable and even more complete hostelry will in time 
succeed that which is gone no one can reasonably doubt. 

RECREATIONS 

On the Sands at Ocean Grove 

Ocean Grove's playground, its real recreation center, is the mile of 
sandy beach that stretches along its eastern edge, between Wesley and 
Fletcher Lakes. 




SHOWERS OF Sl'RAY 



Just a mile-long stretch of level, pallid sand ! Yet there is never an 
hour's dullness here, never a lack of that variety which is the spice of life, 
never a break in the attraction which it holds for everybody. Variety, 
indeed, is the secret of its charm. Every taste and temperament finds here 
its own fine gratification. And for all alike is the tonic and stimulant of 
air and sunshine. 

At each end are the wide, bright pavilions, with their gay little bazaars, 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 147 

their music and diverse amusements, their shady spaces and comfortable 
chairs, where groups of holiday acquaintances foregather with easy infor- 
mality, and where every now and again the most unexpected encounters and 
delighted recognitions between old friends take place. 

Close to the pavilions are the bathing grounds, always crowded on 
summer days with those who love the cool dip or plunge, the battle with 
the breakers or the refreshing shower of the spray, and no less attractive to 
thousands of spectators, who sit upon the sands and Board Walk benches or 
cluster close to the railings of the decklike pavilions, watching feats of 
swimming and diving, of the clumsy antics of happy novices, with unabating 
zest. 

Between are the quieter places, where little children "paddle" in the 
lapping waters of spent waves or build sand forts and houses, their flutelike 
laughter making music as sweet as that of the band or orchestra, still faintly 
heard in the distance. Here the dreamer dreams his dreams, as ships go 
sailing by. Here lovers sit in the shade of a big umbrella, in fitful talk or 
no less contented silence. Here poet or artist feasts eye and soul on the 
endless play of light and color and changing motion, surrendered heart and 
mind to the mysterious spell of the sea. 

And overhead ! This summer of 19 18 in particular there has been the 
daily quickening interest of those marvelous ships of the air, which go hum- 
ming by at such short and frequent intervals. Nowhere could be found a 
better place for watching the swift, fascinating movements of the air-planes 
than in these vast reaches of clear sky above the sands. Sometimes, bright 
as burnished silver, they look like giant dragon-flies in their smooth and 
graceful flight across the blue. Again, practicing their aerial maneuvers, 
they dart and swoop in thrilling fashion, making magic curves and spirals, 
"looping the loop," and now and then descending so low that we can see 
the figures of the intrepid aviators and the waving of their hands as we 
gaze in breathless wonderment. Even at night the big "dirigible," faintly 
illuminated, hovers silently above like a guardian spirit. 

Be it morning, midday, or evening, in sunshine, starlight, or the white 
radiance of the harvest moon, there is always invitation and satisfaction on 
the sands at Ocean Grove. 

Bathing 

The recreation features of Ocean Grove — marked and prominent — 
gave great anxiety to the founders "lest the religious element should be- 
come subservient to simple pleasure." 

By no means an easy task should we find it to determine (offhand, 
at least) to what class of visitors the Ocean Grove bathing beach affords the 
most enjoyment — whether to the merry groups of frolickers among the 



=48 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



life-lines, to the expert swimmers and divers, disporting themselves in the 
deeper waters, to the tiny tots, with rolled-up trousers or pinned-up frocks, 
"paddling" in the rippling shallows sent up by the breaking waves, or to 
the greatest crowds of all, who, high and dry on the sands or in the pavil- 
ions, watch the lively scene through every summer morning and afternoon. 




For sheer fun and recreation, along with the healthiest physical rebound 
and exhilaration, there is no institution in all these borders which can 
compete with the bathing plants. 

It has been matter of common consent, for many years past, that the 
bathing facilities of Ocean Grove are unsurpassed, if equaled, by any on 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 149 

the New Jersey coast. The gently sloping, sandy beach, the presence of a 
protecting sandbar at the most desirable distance, the no less important ab- 
sence of holes and eddies, and the very moderate undertow — all these are 
the natural advantages of this part of the shore. To them are added 
exceptional and most efficient precautions against accidents of all kinds, 
secured by the setting apart of especially eligible and spacious bathing 
grounds, furnished with strong life-lines, well-manned relief and patrol 
boats, the best of bathing masters and guards, and — this summer for the first 
time — by the fencing of these bathing grounds with strong wire-mesh nets 
as a still more complete safeguard against even remote possibilities of 
danger from within or without. 

It is no wonder, then, that all the world, as the French say, frequents 
the bathing beaches and finds the utmost pleasure and benefit in so doing. 
To many persons the daily dip in the tonic salt water, the stimulus of 
breasting the big waves, or the delicious relaxation of floating, face up, on 
the buoyant, upbearing element, furnishes the chief refreshment of a sea- 
shore holiday. Hundreds have learned to swim here under the most favor- 
able conditions. Many who are at first timid and fearful gain new con- 
fidence as they venture further and further in water so thoroughly safe- 
guarded. Even for those who never don a bathing-suit and step into the 
surf at all there are thrills and tingles only less than those which the 
bathers themselves enjoy. Indeed, if one can judge by the throngs of spec- 
tators always in evidence at bathing hours, no form of entertainment pro- 
vided by this place of many resources is equal in popularity to this. The 
ever-changing groups of stalwart forms and graceful figures in natty suits 
and caps, the appearance of an occasional oddity in person or in costume, 
who braves good-naturedly the smiles of amused onlookers, the sight of fre- 
quent fine swimming or diving feats, the laughing play of little children, 
even now and then a harmless mishap which ends in shouts of merriment — 
all make up a daily program whose charm seems never lessened. 

After what may be termed a preliminary season, when only a few 
families had gathered in tents at Ocean Grove, it is said that during 1870 
"two ranges of bathing.houses forty feet long divided into twenty private 
rooms," were erected on the beach near the foot of Wesley Lake. The free 
use of these was granted to the visitors. It was then recommended that a 
larger number be erected during the next year, "some of which should be 
free and some rented." These were the beginnings of the bathing recrea- 
tion at Ocean Grove. 

During the first season of Ocean Grove, Dr. Ballard said : "Who that 
has luxuriated in the joy of an ocean bath, has not longed for the repeti- 
tion ? When once the body is arrayed — not exactly in purple and fine linen, 
but in the unique and graceful bathing dress, and has gone out into the 



i 5 o THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

rolling breakers, the vivacity of childhood comes back. When the pro- 
visions for safety are so thorough that all fear is dismissed from the mind, 
the abandon is complete, and the joy ecstatic. The surf lubricates the joints 
like oil; grave men fling out their limbs like colts in pastures; dignified 
women, from the very inspiration of necessity, sport like girls at recess; aged 
people tumble among the waves till one would think they were only in 
their teens." 

Arrangements of the first bathing facilities were granted under con- 
tract to Captain W. T. Street, whose contract terminated in 1876. It was 
then determined that thereafter there should be two bathing places; "one 
at or near the foot of Wesley Lake, and one near the foot of Fletcher 
Lake." Both of these were to be conducted under similar regulations and 
restrictions but under different management. 

The adjustment of the bathing question gave the Executive Com- 
mittee some solicitude and care from the fact that Captain Street owned the 
bath houses and the Association owned the land. The easiest solution 
proved to be for the Association to purchase the buildings erected by 
Captain Street, "including the use of the life-lines all along our coast, for 
which he held the patent," for the full term to which his patent extended. 
The bathing privilege near Wesley Lake was then leased for one year to 
George W. Evans, which lease he, with the consent of the Association, 
transferred with all its privileges and financial interest, to Joseph Ross. 
Theodore W. Lillagore became the lessee for the bathing privileges at the 
foot of Fletcher Lake. 

The arrangement with both of these lessees continued for many years 
— until the management of the bathing was taken over by the Association. 

To indicate the most suitable hours for bathing, flag staffs were erected 
at the bathing grounds; small flags were floated to the breeze at bathing 
hours. During the period of Camp Meeting services, when the bathing 
hours occurred at the same hours when religious services were to be held, 
flags were hauled down and bathing was not permitted. 

Ocean bathing has always been considered solely a recreation at Ocean 
Grove and has never been permitted on Sunday. 

Both Wesley and Fletcher Lakes are fed by natural springs. For a 
number of years fresh water bathing was enjoyed by those who preferred it, 
and the bather had the option of either fresh or salt water bathing, or both. 

With the construction of the new plank walk, marked improvements 
were made at both the North and South End. Mr. Ross, lessee of the 
North End, constructed a two-story pavilion having a total seating capacity 
of from eighteen hundred to two thousand, while Mr. Lillagore at the 
South End added to the bath houses bringing the total to three hundred and 
thirty. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



151 




152. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



The South End Bathing Camp 

The year 1915 marked a new stage in the history of the South End. 

It was, to be sure, merely a transition period, and but a brief one. Yet, 

for the time at least, it made this portion of the ocean front a center of 

more than ordinary popular interest, presenting as it did an aspect at once 




novel and attractive, and drawing with each week larger and larger num- 
bers of appreciative visitors. 

At the time of the great fire which destroyed the pavilion it naturally 
was felt that in this disaster Ocean Grove had suffered one of the direst 
calamities in its career. So near the beginning of the season that it was 
manifestly impossible to rebuild, or even to select and adopt plans for a 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



153 



suitable permanent group of buildings to succeed the old ones, the fire pro- 
duced the utmost consternation and dismay in the minds of all concerned. 
Apart from the heavy financial loss, the problem of providing bathing facil- 
ities and other accommodations for residents and visitors in the entire 
southern section of the resort seemed a hopeless one. But earnest consider- 




ation was promptly given to several more or less feasible expedients, out of 
which was finally evolved the plan for the establishment of a "South End 
Bathing Camp" to meet the most pressing needs of the current season. 

This Camp consisted primarily of a block of small, snow-white tents, 
set up on the dunes for the convenience of bathers, life-lines and guards 
being provided for their safety. Each tent was partitioned into two com- 



154 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



partments, with hooks in the ridge-pole for the disposal of clothing. All 
were secured upon a firm wooden floor and are supplied with seats. 

In addition to the bathing tents, a protected band-stand and awning- 
shaded shelter, with seats for a larger number of people, were arranged on 
the eastern edge of the Board Walk, while on the other side sprang up 
numerous attractive booths for the sale of various kinds of refreshments, 
novelties, photographic supplies, and such other articles as sojourners and 
excursionists were likely to require for their comfort and enjoyment. Elec- 
tric lights encircled and illuminated the whole inviting scene at night. 

These provisions were, it is true, all of a temporary character. But 

just as it stood that summer, the whole little colony of tents and booths was 

so picturesque as well as serviceable that even the loss of the old pavilion 

was almost forgotten. Here more than anywhere else was found the poetry 

of seashore life. The very novelty of the place added to its charm, and 

its simplicity appealed to many persons, especially those who, coming from 

crowded cities, preferred more of nature and less of art in their holiday sur- 

soundings. 

Winter Bathing at Ocean Grove 

When does the surf bathing at Ocean Grove cease? Does it stop with 
the close of the season — if anyone can tell exactly how that word should 

L'ift i - '. ., — be interpreted? 

& l|l ^^' No, not exactly. It 

jHlft t, | continues the year 

round, but of 
course, not to the 
same extent in 
"lilt winter as in sum- 

mer. 

Nevertheless, 
there are some who 
either do enjoy 
surf bathing in 
winter — or think 
they d o — e v e n 
when the snow- 
covers the sand like 
a white blanket. 
And then there 
are others who be- 
lieve that the cold 
sea bath is exhil- 
arating and bene- 





THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



155 



ficial and take it as a tonic to strengthen and harden themselves. All will 
tell you the water is not so cold as you would expect and that on a winter's 
day the air is colder than the water, which is undoubtedly so. 

Here we see a regular bather at the North End bathing grounds who 
takes his bath about noon nearly every other day, and who says he does this 




WESLEY LAKE AT FOOT OF PILGRIM PATHWAY 

for the real pleasure he derives from it. He says he feels the cold air before 
he enters the water but after his first dip in the water he does not feel the 
cold air again until his bathing suit begins to dry. 



Boating 

The first and chief recreation for the evening beginning with the sun- 
down hour was the boating on Wesley Lake, then known as Long Pond. 
From seven o'clock until nine o'clock the lake was literally alive with 



i56 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



boats. These were of all sizes, from the tiniest shell to the sixteen-foot 
rowboat. They were generally loaded to their capacity with men, women, 
and children. This being in fact the only evening out-of-door recreation, 
it was indulged in to the limit the boats provided, "all laughing and chat- 
tering, voices ringing out in the soft moist air of the evening and harmoniz- 
ing sweetly with the departing sunset and advancing evening." 







SOMEWHAT LIKE THE BARBARA HECK 



The first boat and for the first year the only boat on Wesley Lake was 
"a clumsy superannuated fishing boat, which Bro. Osborn had bought for a 
small sum of the fishermen along shore, and had christened her the Barbara 
Heck. This craft could carry, without much inconvenience, nearly if not 
quite the whole population of Ocean Grove at that time, at a single trip. 
Bishop Simpson and his wife honored this old craft with their presence, and 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 157 

in it sailed along Wesley Lake up through the wilds toward the bridge, and 
thought the ride was very fine. But alas! one stormy night Wesley Lake, 
wearied with its long imprisonment, slipped out to sea, and with it carried 
the old Barbara Heck, since which time all efforts for its recovery have 
been without avail. 

The next year there were ten boats, which were not ready until Camp 
Meeting was half over. The number increased until in 1878 there were 
five hundred and thirty boats. In 1880 there were five hundred and forty- 
seven boats on Wesley Lake and one hundred and twelve boats on Fletcher 
Lake. 

As this recreation became more and more popular, it was found desir- 
able to hold a closer supervision over it, that this "paradise of children from 
early dawn till evening shades" should not be marred. By means of a nom- 
inal license fee, an opportunity was provided to inquire into the character 
and suitability of the persons desiring to have boats upon the lakes. Not 
only were the boats used for pleasure purposes but they became a source of 
revenue to their owners in transporting excursionists from the head of the 
lake near the railroad depot to the ocean; for excursion parties during the 
day, and again for their return in the evening. There were no trolleys 
of course, at that time, and practically everyone preferred to use the boats 
rather than the stages. In licensing the boats it also gave control over them, 
so that it resulted in stopping the foolhardy practice of taking the flat- 
bottom lake boats out to sea when the ocean was calm, the risk of which 
had become apparent to all. It also enabled the Association to set a fixed 
charge which might not be exceeded for carrying passengers, and to regu- 
late sailboats, which latter, together with a small steamboat, were later 
removed altogether from Wesley Lake, for safety sake. 

It was at this time also that a large surf boat twenty-three feet long by 
seven feet wide, named the Ocean Grove, was built by the employes of the 
Association, to be used by them in case of wreck or as necessity might 
require. 

One of the most interesting and outstanding features of the summer 
was the annual Carnival on Wesley Lake. Although the day was gen- 
erally given over to the enjoyment of the Carnival, and the boats were 
gayly decorated with flags and bunting, the chief feature of the Carnival 
was in the evening; then the boats, illuminated with many varicolored 
Chinese lanterns formed in procession, led by a boat carrying the marshal 
and followed by boats carrying a band. It must be remembered that in 
the days before the use of electric lights the illumination of the boats made 
a much more beautiful picture than would be possible to-day under the 
glare of electric lights. With hundreds of boats on Wesley Lake, which 
joined in the procession, the picture became one of entrancing beauty. 



: 5 8 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



Since the waning of interest in boating, the Carnival has, during the 
past few years, been omitted ; but some still cling to the hope that there will 
yet be a revival of boating on the lakes when the Carnival will again become 
a feature of the season's program. 



Music at Ocean Grove 



The first mention made of the singing at Ocean Grove was by a 
preacher, who, after his return from Ocean Grove, said to his congregation : 

"If you want to hear such 
singing as you can hear no- 
where else this side of heaven, 
go to a live Camp Meeting at 
Ocean Grove. The singing 
alone is enough to sweep down 
the powers of hell." 

During the first few years 
the singing was led by mem- 
bers of the Association, some 
of whom were excellent singers 
and accustomed to leading con- 
gregational singing. 

The first choir was or- 
ganized in 1878 and led by 
Willisford Dey, of Asbury 
Park. Mr. Dey continued in 




WILLISFORD DEY 



charge of the choir and singing each year 
preliminary to the Camp Meeting until 
ill health necessitated his removal to Col- 
orado. 

That year, at the anniversary prayer 
meeting, the singing was conducted by 
Philip Phillips, a noted song writer, who, 
for a week following, held a service of song 
assisted by several prominent singers of the 
day. 

At the Camp Meeting the same year 
the singing was under the direction of Pro- 
fessor John R. Sweney, who continued as 
leader of the Camp Meeting singing for many yea 
and advancing years he was obliged to retire. 




JOHN R. SWENEY 

until through ill health 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 159 

An Outdoor "Concert" 

The first record of a concert, if such it may be called, at Ocean Grove, 
was in an invitation extended in the early seventies to attend at quarter past 
ten o'clock in the evening on the bank of Wesley Lake, "out of doors with 
only the stars looking down in their soft brilliance for light." All were 
informed that "nothing particular was to take place and that only those 
who want to know what was going on were invited while those who did 
not care to know might stay at home and go to bed." All sorts of rumors 
spread abroad as to what would happen. "Would it be a wedding, a 
baptism," or something else suggested by active imagination? 

When ten o'clock came it seemed as if the entire encampment were on 
the banks of the lake, leaving only deserted avenues, closed and darkened 
tents and cottages. 

Better to do justice to this unique occurrence, we quote part of a vivid 
account written shortly afterward by the Rev. George K. Morris, D.D. : 

The deep gloom of the groves on either shore of the lake is only heightened by 
the feeble starlight struggling through the misty night. It is so dark that you need 
to peer carefully under the hatbrim of your next neighbor to see whose features the 
darkness veils. The hundreds that line the shore, form a dark, irregular border 
to the motionless waters. . . . 

On the lake, just in front of us, in dim outline, may be seen a dozen boats, 
laden with silent passengers — as if waiting for Charon to ferry them over the 
waveless river to the land of spirits. The gloom is softened by two or three 
lanterns in the boats. We can distinguish nothing clearly, but it is clear that 
something is preparing for us. 

Listen! A rich, musical voice, clear as the bugle tone, and as distinct, yet 
mellow as a flute, breaks the stillness that was becoming oppressive. Musical 
waves seem to roll along on the bosom of the lake, that surely must be listening, 
and then, without breaking, they roll over the thrilled hearts of the hundreds on 
shore, and on, till the very groves are flooded with music. It is a manly voice, and 
one of peculiar qualities. We, here at a distance, seem to hear it as distinctly as 
those in the boat by the singer's side. He is singing "The Life Boat," and when he 
throws out the cry, "The life boat! the life boat!" it startles the listener almost 
painfully. 

There follows the world-picture of what we all seemed to see — the 
storm-tossed sea, the shipwrecked mariner, his rescue in the moment of 
despair, and his joyful home-coming. Then — 

Again, that persuasive voice repeats "The life boat! the life boat!" Now we 
think of life's stormy sea and its shipwrecked ones. O from many hearts is wrung 
the despairing cry, "A life boat!" Is it vain? Does heaven hear? The singer — 
an unwonted mellowness now in his voice — moves the soul's deep. The lifeboat 
is near the sinking one. Thank God, he is safe ! Join all in the chorus joyfully, 
for God looks after the shipwrecked. 

That was all. We waited a moment in a solemn hush. Then the 



160 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

multitude on the shore joined their voices with those of the singers in the 
boats, pouring forth the old familiar strains of "Shall we Gather at the 
River," before we scattered in the starlight, going softly to our tents and 
cottages. 

It all took little more than half an hour. But no other half-hour, per- 
haps, in the history of Wesley Lake has left so deep and indelible an impres- 
sion on the hearts of so many persons as that in which we stood close to- 
gether on the bank and listened to Professor Hardy, whom we could not 
see, singing "The Life Boat" in the hushed and starlit night. 

A Reminiscence 

Recently one of the Metropolitan papers announced the death of a 
famous violinist well-known to all music lovers of the last generation — 
Giuseppe Vitale — saying: 

A noted violinist of a generation ago and a collector of Stradivarius violins, 
died on Sunday at his home in Brooklyn. Mr. Vitale was a pupil of Ole Bull, and 
in his time was acquainted with some of the world's famous men and musicians, 
including Sarasate and Wieniawski. He was also a friend of Longfellow and 
Beecher and had played for McKinley and Roosevelt. He owned the only two 
Stradivarius violins in Brooklyn, one of them having been handed down in the 
family for one hundred and fifty years and being valued at $12,000. He also 
owned two Amatis and some instruments manufactured by Vuillaume and Bodio. 

The name of Giuseppe Vitale — even after the lapse of many years — 
recalled vividly an announcement made by Dr. Stokes from the pulpit of 
the old Auditorium. It was at the close of the services on a quiet July 
Sunday. Dr. Stokes said, in substance, that on a particular evening of 
the week following "a treat" would be given all those who came to the 
Auditorium. He said he would not tell w T hat would be the nature of the 
"treat" but that everyone who failed to be there would miss something 
worth while. He further said that Ocean Grove was worthy the best of 
everything, and what he referred to was of the best. 

Various conjectures were indulged in by those who heard the an- 
nouncement. Some thought it would be a great preacher ; others that the 
President of the United States was coming, or perhaps some famous group 
of singers, or a lecturer, while the boys and girls could only think of ice 
cream or something good to eat. 

As the intervening days passed, the interest grew apace and much 
curiosity was aroused, but Dr. Stokes could not be induced to say what was 
in store for those who came to the Auditorium. All he would say was 
"you will be sorry afterward if you are not there." 

It really seemed as though the appointed evening would never come, 
such as the intense interest created, but when it did, the Auditorium was 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 161 

crowded to its capacity. At last, when the hour arrived which had been 
set in the announcement, Dr. Stokes came to the front of the platform and 
introduced Signor Vitale, saying that he had expressed a desire to play for 
an Ocean Grove audience. 

Instantly there was silence, even the younger generation who had 
hoped for — if not really expected — the ice cream, wondered what the dark- 
haired foreign-looking gentleman would do. And then Signor Vitale slowly 
raised his violin, touched it with his bow and there came forth such sounds 
as had never been heard before in the old Auditorium. Rising and falling 
in sweet cadences, they floated out among the trees whose leafy branches 
swept the Auditorium roof, and up into space, seemingly as an incense bear- 
ing the prayers of those gathered within sound of the instrument. 

Perhaps it was the famous old "Strad" he played that evening at 
Ocean Grove for the vibration of the strings can still be heard in the re- 
cesses of one's memory. 

What did he play? Memory cannot say. Probably he who writes 
did not know at the time. But it was "a treat" and it has lasted through 
all the years. Dr. Stokes was right. 

Oratorios and Concerts 

The success of the oratorio "Messiah" in 1895 led to a demand for 
great concerts, and three such were given in 1896 — The Creation, August 
12, the first children's chorus supported by the New York Symphony 
Orchestra, August 13, and the Messiah August 14 — all under the auspices 
of the Summer School of Theology. The oratorios and Symphony concert 
were directed by Walter Damrosch, the leader of the Symphony Or- 
chestra. The Children's Chorus was led by Tali Esen Morgan. 

The following year there were two great music festivals, again under 
the auspices of the Summer School: "the first associated four hundred 
voices of children, trained to a surprising accuracy of time and tune under 
Prof. Tali Esen Morgan," and the other, the oratorio of "Elijah," con- 
ducted by Professor Damrosch. 

In 1898 the increasing infirmities of Professor J. R. Sweney, who so 
long and ably had filled the position of musical director, made his continu- 
ance impossible, and Mr. Morgan was selected to fill his place. 

It is said that "the choir was largely increased in numbers and equally 
so in efficiency," and that Professor Morgan "exacted the discipline of drill 
unsparingly and the improvement was marvelous." At the close of the sea- 
son at a banquet tendered by the choir, "an elegant gold watch was pre- 
sented to its leader." 

With this start the great concerts and children's festivals at Ocean 
Grove were continued under Mr. Morgan's direction from year to year. 



162 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

The "Messiah" has been the favorite oratorio, and the leading oratorio 
singers of the day have been heard. The children's festivals have crowded 
the Auditorium to its capacity on many occasions and have probably been the 
most popular of all the great concerts, though it is impossible to com- 
pare them with the great oratorios and the great concerts in which world- 
renowned singers have been heard ; among the latter should be mentioned : 




TALI ESEN MORGAN 

Lillian Nordica, Schumann-Heink, Mme. Jomeli, Mme. DeVere, Louise 
Homer, Mme. Yaw, Shanna Cumming, David Bispham, Edward Johnson, 
Dan Beddoe, Henri Scott, Swilym Miles, Frederic Martin, Albert Spauld- 
ing, Edwin Lemare, Clarence Eddy, Mischa Elman, and scores of others. 

An amusing story is told concerning the engagement of the first great 
artist for Ocean Grove. It was rumored that Professor Morgan had en- 
gaged a singer for the sum of $2,000. This rumor spread rapidly and cre- 
ated some comment, and, it is said, led some of the officers of the Association 
to interview Mr. Morgan on the subject; something like the following con- 
versation is said to have occurred: 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



163 



"We are surprised," said the spokesman, "to hear that you have en- 
gaged a singer for the Auditorium at a cost of $2,000." Mr. Morgan re- 
sponded, "That is a mistake; the price agreed upon is $2,500." Then 
followed some discussion, Mr. Morgan showing his confidence in the en- 
gagement by offering to bear one half the loss if he might have half the 
gain. The Association officers finally decided to accept Mr. Morgan's 
judgment that the engagement would prove profitable, and it is said a net 
profit of about $3,000 resulted on the entertainment. 

Mr. Morgan organized and directed for several years, an orchestra 
of sixty-five, generally conceded by musical critics to have been the best 
non-professional orchestra in the United States. He also wrote the 
"Storm" for the great organ, and with much care worked out the best 
combinations of stops to produce it with the fineness of interpretation that 
made it justly famous. 

The Children's Fairyland Festival 
A visitor at Ocean Grove, writing of the Fairyland Pageant, said : 

We had heard of the Children's Fairyland Festival at Ocean Grove, of 
course. Who has not? But it was only through seeing for ourselves this unique 







THE KIMONO GIRLS 



and beautiful pageant that we gained anything like a true conception of its real 
character and charm. There are some things for which no description quite 
prepares one, and this is one of them. Is there its like anywhere in the world? 
Several widely traveled acquaintances who were present on that Wednesday 
evening in August assure us there is not, and we easily believe them. 

The evening was one of surprises. First came that at the beauty of the 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



165 



Auditorium, which had been magically transformed into the semblance of a vast 
fairy garden, illuminated by hundreds of bright-colored Chinese lanterns. The 
platform, enlarged to hold some fifteen hundred participants, rose against a scenic 
background of rocks and mountains, forests, caverns and ravines; while in the 
foreground had been erected a massive and glittering throne for the fairy Queen, 
with spaces an either side for the Royal Court. Next we were amazed at the size 
of the audience, which filled the huge building to the limit of its capacity. When 
we reflected that the children of Mr. Morgan's chorus had only a short time 
previously given a concert which had crowded the Auditorium, this seemed to us 




SOME OF OCEAN GROVE S ROUGH RIDERS 



the more astonishing. But that was because we were strangers and inexperienced 
in these affairs. We know now that this was the very reason why so many thousands 
of eager listeners and spectators had gathered. Should we be in Ocean Grove next 
summer, we shall be many times more keen about the Children's Fairyland because 
of having seen it this year. For, while making no comparisons as to the quality 
of the various entertainments given in the Auditorium, there can be no question 
but that this is the season's one most popular event. A great many other things 
are doubtless just as good in themselves and just as interesting to certain classes 
of people. But this is the one in which everybody, old or young, big or little, is 
interested. 

Ocean Grove audiences assemble more promptly, it appears, for the Children's 
Festivals than for other entertainments. We had supposed we were somewhat 
overearly in arriving, but already nearly every seat was filled and the aisles were 
rapidly being cleared. A minute or two more, and, amid a general hush and thrill 
of expectancy, the wonderful organ struck up a martial strain and at a signal from 
the conductor the children began to file in — from all the entrances to the building, 
apparently — and march down the aisles in time with the music. 

How many there are of them! A thousand, Mr. Morgan announced; but it 
seems as if the number must be even greater, as the long lines move rhythmically 
down from every direction toward the center, then up on the platform, where. 



1 66 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



they are packed in almost endless rows and tiers. Gallant little Rough Riders 
in khaki uniforms, demure Japanese maids in flower}' kimonos, tiny fairies in a 
white mist of flimsy frocks, and bright-eyed gypsy girls in gay-colored skirts and 
bodices sparkling with beads and sequins — on and on they come, while the audience 
bursts into delighted applause at the bewildering sight as they are massed in front. 
The program this year was divided into three parts — first, a Concert, in which 
a number of songs were charmingly rendered by the immense and well-trained 
chorus of little folks, alternated with solo features by brilliant young artists, some 
of whose names are already winning fame; second, the Coronation of the Fairy 
Queen Mab III ; and third, a grand Patriotic Finale, in which the enthusiasm of 
the assembled thousands rose to its highest pitch. 

How is it done? At the time, as we sat there, breathlessly looking and listen- 



lit". 


*?.*&>' fm% kVM 
^^";M #1 3v3 





A GROUP OF GIRLS OF THE CHILDREN S FESTI\'AL CHORUS 

ing, we thought little of the processes. The results were too absorbing — the music 
of the hundreds of clear young voices; the splendid ceremonies of the Coronation, 
with the rich and gorgeous mediasval costumes of the attendant court, its heralds, 
high lords, ladies-in-waiting, flowermaids, pages, and all the rest; the patriotic 
tableaux and trooping of national colors; and the marvelous spectacular effects 
produced by the artistic manipulation of electric lights. But none of this comes to 
pass of itself. It must mean weeks and even months of preparation, the expenditure 
of much talent, labor, and patience. Probably no one but Mr. Morgan could tell 
the whole story of each year's work in design, elaboration, and execution. But 
the children have their stories too, of drills and rehearsals, of work that is pleasant 
as play and play that is always making them wiser and richer. And altogether 
they bring to Ocean Grove every year a glimpse of Fairyland which no one can 
afford to miss. 



Since Mr. Morgan resigned at the close of his engagement in 1915, 
the Children's Festivals, as conceived by Mr. Morgan, have been discontin- 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 167 

ued and the concerts have been conducted generally under the direction of 
the artists' managers. Caruso, Galli-Curci, John McCormack and others 
have been heard in concert. Homer Rodeheaver and J. Lincoln Hall have, 
respectively, led the congregational singing. 

The Ocean Grove Organ 

The instrumental music at the beginning was such as could be secured 
from any melodeon, cottage organ, or piano that might be borrowed for 
the occasion. Then a cheap reed organ was purchased. Then more or- 
gans and some pianos were rented. 

After the great auditorium was built, the Washington Square Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, of New York city, which was then about moving, 
in 1895, presented its organ for use in the auditorium. This organ was 
used for some years until through use and damage from atmospheric 
changes, no further dependence could be placed upon it, and it was moved 
to the Young People's Temple. Then the Hope-Jones Organ Company 
proposed to install an organ in the Auditorium at a price very much below 
the usual cost, recognizing the great advertising advantage to be gained. 
The Association accepted the proposal, and ordered that it be a memorial 
to the late president of the Association, Bishop James N. FitzGerald. 

In order to accommodate an organ of suitable size without lessening 
the seating room for the people or destroying the design of the choir gallery, 
it was found necessary to make some alterations in the front of the audi- 
torium. 

The price of the organ as originally contracted was about $13,000 
(total cost to be $26,000, one half donated by Hope-Jones). An Associa- 
tion report says that Tali Esen Morgan, the musical director, "has al- 
ready privately raised the largest part of its cost." Later on a number 
of friends of Mr. Yatman, previously referred to as the leader of the Young 
People's Temple for twenty-five years, desired to connect his name with 
the organ, so, at the instance of Miss Imogene Fields, the sum of $1,200 
was raised, and a set of chimes were placed in the organ, to be known as 
the "Yatman Chimes." 

The first recital on the new organ was given before it was fully com- 
pleted, on Friday evening, July 3, 1908, by Mark Andrews, of New York. 
Edwin Lenare, of England, an organist of renown, succeeded Mr. Andrews 
in presiding at the instrument and during the ten days of a recital conven- 
tion. 

Thus the greatest feature of musical Ocean Grove is the great Hope- 
Jones organ, installed in 1908. The problem at that time was to secure 
an instrument which would stand atmospheric conditions, in an auditorium 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 169 

unheated and closed for nine months during the year. Robert Hope- 
Jones, the organ builder, had been attracting much attention in England at 
the time, by means of his new and novel method of constructing organs in- 
closed in cement and brick chambers. Mr. Tali Esen Morgan, then 
musical director of Ocean Grove, believed that an instrument built in this 
manner would stand the severe climatic test, and the contract was accord- 
ingly given to Hope-Jones. The wisdom and judgment to this type of 
instrument and style of construction has been proven season after season, 
when upon opening the Auditorium the organ has been found to be in ex- 
cellent condition, practically unaffected by the weather. 

In many respects the Ocean Grove organ is the most wonderful in- 
strument in the world. In its arrangement the old plan of dividing and 
classifying an organ into Pedal, Great, Swell, Choir and Solo organs is 
abandoned in favor of Fountain, String, Wood, Brass and Percussion 
departments, each inclosed in its own independent cement chamber. On 
top of these chambers or swell boxes are swell shutters, in laminated form, 
so that when opened the tones are thrown upward and are directed into 
the Auditorium by means of parabolic reflectors. By means of this new 
division of the stops the performer is able to mix and blend tone qualities, 
by the opening or closing of one or more of the swell boxes, with a delicacy 
of coloring which was hitherto unknown in other organs. There are four 
manuals and a pedalboard of the usual compass. Instead of drawstops, the 
tone is controlled by means of stop-keys, arranged in an inclined semicircle 
around the manuals. There are no bellows, the wind being supplied by 
electrically-driven fans and compressors, which furnish wind at pressures 
of ten, twenty-five, and fifty inches. These high-wind pressures give an 
immense volume of tone, which it is possible to control by means of the 
swell shutters, so that almost any stop can be used to accompany the human 
voice. A stop entirely new to this country, called the diaphone, under fifty 
inches wind pressure, occupies a fifth box, open at the top without shutters. 
The largest pipe is thirty-two feet long and three feet across at the top end. 
This tone is produced by what is termed a resonator and vibrating valve, 
which yields a majestic volume of firm, diapason tone, and also provides a 
glorious pedal bass. 

In addition to the wonderful power and dignity of tone the Ocean 
Grove organ is notable for its remarkable orchestral qualities and effects. 
There are installed two sets of chimes, one in the roof of the Auditorium, 
a set of ceiling bells, harmonic gongs, xylophone, castanets, tambourines, 
orchestral bells, drums, singing birds, and rain effects. No organ in the 
world has the great variety and quality of tone colors that this instrument 
possesses. The tone combinations are inexhaustible, ranging from the dis- 
tant vox humana to the thundering diaphones. 



i 7 o THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

The Organ Builder 

Emory J. Haynes, writing for the New York Mail, said : 

The largest organ in the world is at Ocean Grove. Its excellencies are com- 
parable with its size. September 13 the anniversary of the instrument was 




ROBERT HOPE-JONES 

celebrated, but poor Hope-Jones, the builder, was not there. A vast audience of 
fifteen thousand people, within and without (lie immense auditorium, rejoiced in 
the grand melody. Never was the organ in better tune, never was it played by 
Morgan more triumphantly. All the people united in the praise. The autumn air 
was as soft as a caress. The sea flashed its salutations. It was just one happy 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 171 

day. But poor Hope-Jones, that great man, that genius among the sons of song, 
was not there. 

The builder spent years amid this mass of pipes. Like one wandering in a 
forest he was accustomed to enter, to disappear and to be lost amid the great spaces 
of the gigantic organ. He would not reappear to eat. He kept no eight-hour day, 
but many a twilight in this city by the sea was vocal with his experimental creations 
of stops and tones. For in music there is no night, and the night shineth as the day. 
So does this art triumph over painting, sculpture, and architecture. 

Hope-Jones loved to gather the shadows of evening and weave them into 
organ melodies. He was an inventor and the novelties of his construction were 
most daring. No doubt they have come to stay. An organ in process of construc- 
tion grows slowly; Hope-Jones, being a genius, toyed with tones. By the varying 
pressure of the hand alone, without changing a stop, he attained wonders. It would 
seem as if his very soul got mastery over the wood and metal pipes as it did over 
his own nerves. 

No written score, no instrument, indeed, ever could express the music that, 
in ecstatic moments, sounds through the musician's mind. The player will often 
spring from his bed at night to attempt to give utterance to his dream. Ocean 
Grove, in the still hours of the night, has heard time and again this organ suddenly 
break forth with murmurings. Hope-Jones was at the keys. He had heard 
rhapsodies while he slept. He had stolen into the colossal building alone and sat 
at the bench amid the shadows. His deft fingers had magic in them as he laid 
them on the leaden lips of pipes and taught these insensate things angelic inflections. 

The organ builder crouched down on his stool and engaged in thought, away 
in there among the pipes. He would often sit for hours motionless. Then springing 
up he sought to make these utensils of music obedient to his reverie. As it stood 
there that September day it was the incarnation of a genius. 

Why was he not there? Was it a question of money? Men and women 
worth a fortune sat entranced by the organ. There were a thousand finger rings 
on the hands of fair women who were listening to the organ that day that would 
have brought much money if sold. The genius organ builder was sick in a humble 
lodging house in Rochester. 

Let us say it was a matter of nerves. It does take nerves to live an ambitious 
life in this hard world. What queer things these nerves are! And there, all 
nerves unstrung and jangling, sat Hope-Jones, the organ builder, on the veranda 
of the far-away humble hostelry. And the chorus at Ocean Grove rose higher. 
The audience joined in anthems of praise. The flags stood still to listen. The 
ocean hushed its breakers as became an autumn day and the anniversary of the 
great organ. 

What a flutter of beauty in dress! What a vision of happy faces! — while 
over all the majestic diapason of the organ thundered like a conqueror. Did the 
sound reach Rochester? Did the anthem seem to him a requiem? Did he continue 
to whisper to himself: "I built it. It is my organ. It is my other self. It is time 
for me to go" ? 

This we do not know. We only know that on that anniversary day the organ 
builder was found dead in the lonely lodging room. And by his own hand. That 
was why he was not there on the organ's birthday. Alas, for human nerves! Poor 
harmonies that charm us in our days of health, will they ever prevail over the 
discords of a mind overstrained ? 



172 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



THE POST OFFICE 

The Post Office at Ocean Grove was opened on June 18, 187 1, but 
for the lack of a key to the mailbags no mail was dispatched until June 30. 
During the season, 3,967 letters were mailed, and from the opening to Sep- 




THE POST OFFICE PRIOR TO i! 



tember 30, 1872, 21,840 letters were dispatched. No record was kept of 
the incoming mail. In 1873 30,661 letters left Ocean Grove. 1 

In the eleven months of 1876, 75,819 pieces of mail were dispatched. 
As all mail was then received at the Post Office, a recommendation was 



1 In 1875 the Asbury Park Post Office was established, which naturally 
decreased the number of letters dispatched from the Ocean Grove office. Notwith- 
standing this, however, 49,873 letters were sent out, showing an increase over the 
preceding year of 9,609. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 173 

made that before another season a larger space should be provided for the 
Post Office. 

The Post Office building, one of the first erected on the grounds, was 
old, unsightly, and inconvenient and too small. Its removal was recom- 
mended, and Pilgrim Pathway, the main thoroughfare to the Audi- 
torium for all persons living south of Main Avenue, was to be widened, so 
that with the crowds almost constantly at the Post Office, persons coming or 
returning need not be crowded into the street. In 1880 113,324 letters 
were sent out. 

The Building 

At the annual meeting in 1879 it was ordered that a suitable building 
having accommodations for the Association Office, the Post Office, and other 
necessary public purposes be erected at the earliest date practicable. 

Three plans were submitted. Those of a Mr. Buck, of Brooklyn, New 
York, were selected, providing the building as sketched by him could be 
built for $15,000. After mature deliberation D. H. Brown, Esq., the 
Association's treasurer, gave his opinion as a practical builder that the 
structure could be erected for the stipulated amount, and consented to give 
the entire work his personal supervision. 

Early in December the old office was removed in preparation for the 
construction of the new building. In March the foundation was laid under 
the direction of Captain Rainear. The corner stone was laid by the Presi- 
dent, on the 24th of March, in the presence of several members of the 
Association. I was so far completed that early in July the Association occu- 
pied its business office on the first floor. 

On August 1st, being the twelfth anniversary day at Ocean Grove, it 
was dedicated "with appropriate religious services to the work for which 
it was intended." 

Its total cost including the clock, bell, engine, well, furniture, and Post 
Office fixtures, together with a new tent house on Bath Avenue, none of 
which was contemplated in the original estimate and notwithstanding a 
considerable advance in the cost of material after the first calculation, was 
a little over $22,000. 

The Town Clock 

The four-faced clock placed in the center tower of the new Association 
building cost, with its twelve-hundred-pound bell complete and in working 
order, $864.30; $92 of this sum was contributed by the citizens. 

Precisely at twelve o'clock noon, on Monday, July 4, 1881 — just one 
hundred and five years to the hour after the old State House bell at Phil- 
adelphia proclaimed liberty — the clock struck the hour for the first time. 



74 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



From the new flagstaff in front of the huilding at the same moment there 
was gracefully unfurled to the breeze the stars and stripes, while the great 
congregation, just dismissed from the oration at the Auditorium, sang the 
Doxology. 




THE ASSOCIATION BUILDING 



After nine years of monotonous but faithful work, during which period 
practically no repairs had been required, the four dials were then lighted at 
night by electricity, making it possible to ascertain the time by night as well 
as by day. It merited the following tribute, which, it is thought, was 
written by Dr. Stokes: 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 175 

"Up in the tower the solemn old clock 

Has stood for many a year; 
Soon as erected, it said 'Tick, tock,' 
And ever since then the grave old clock 
Repeats each second, 'Tick, tock, tick, tock.' 

From month to month, from year to year, 

When friends are few, or foes are near, 
'Tick, tock, tick, tock,' says the solemn old clock. 

" 'Tis the old clock's mission, to say, tick, tock, 

And to give the time of day; 
The same each year, like the moveless rock, 
It stands at its work — tick, tock, tick, tock, 
Unswerved, unswerving, is the grave old clock; 

And so may we, when all is gay, 

Or when the sunlight fades away, 
Be true to every trust and say, 'Tick, tock.' " 

The Postmasters 

The new Post Office provided in the new Association Building where 
now located, opened for business August 1, 1881. The first letter deliv- 
ered was addressed to the Rev. E. H. Stokes, president of the Association, 
and was from the postmaster. (See Appendix.) 

H. B. Beegle was appointed a salaried postmaster by President Arthur 
July 1, 1882, with an additional allowance for clerk hire. Up to that time 
the postmaster had received only a commission, which did not provide a 
sufficient income for him to live, so that it was necessary to engage in other 
business. Furthermore, the Association, although it had supplied the quar- 
ters and furnished them rent free, received no remuneration whatsoever. 

In 1883 the allowance of $500 for clerk hire was withdrawn by the 
government, but by persistent effort the sum of $350 was restored. 

Although receiving free rent, which included the use of the post office 
fixtures, the government, "as if this were not enough," charged the Asso- 
ciation postal box rent "for boxes which belong to us, and use a room worth 
$800 rent for which they pay us nothing." The justice of this was not 
apparent. 

After fourteen years of service as postmaster, H. B. Beegle resigned in 
1885 and the President appointed a new postmaster in the person of George 
W. Evans, Esq., the secretary of the Association. 

Three hundred thousand pieces of mail were handled in 1886, and 
this number grew to 500,000 in 1887 with "no formal complaints to the 
department during the year against the administration of the office." 

The term of George W. Evans having expired in 1890, the Rev. A. E. 
Ballard was appointed postmaster by President Harrison. 

With the change of national administration in 1893, Dr. Ballard 



i 7 6 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

resigned as postmaster. President Cleveland nominated and the Senate 
confirmed Mr. Evans. 

During the summer of 1894 over 1,000,000,000 pieces of mail matter 
were handled. 

An effort was then made to consolidate the Ocean Grove and the 
Asbury Park Post Offices, the consolidated office to be located in Asbury 
Park. This effort was supported by the partisan press; but the effort was 
successfully "resisted by every true friend of Ocean Grove." It is recorded 
that, "not long after this a further attempt was made in the same quarter, 
on the sanctity of our Christian Sabbath, by having the United States mails 
delivered at our depot on this holy day. For a quarter of a century we had 
been exempt from such annoyance, and, unresisted, could not submit to it 
now. The railroad officials stood solidly by us; again national interference 
was sought, and as before, the national assurance given that no changes 
would be made." 

The postmaster, encouraged, provided a free delivery service, which was 
greatly appreciated by the permanent residents and summer visitors. To 
further facilitate the service the "postmaster expended from his own salary 
during the past three years $2,000." 

W. H. Hamilton, "who has so grown up in the office that it is impos- 
sible to separate the two in the minds of the people," became postmaster 
in 1897. 

The present efficient postmaster is Walter F. Clayton. The business 
of the Ocean Grove Post Office continues to show steady increase in 
volume. A substation has been maintained at the North End for a number 
of years for the benefit of the public. 

Telegraph Service 

The telegraph office, opened in 1872, was located in a part of the 
same building used by the Post Office and the Association. In 1873 1,121 
messages were dispatched. 

The telegraph office occupied the same quarters until the erection of 

the new Association Building, in which it was assigned quarters. The first 

telegram sent from the newly reopened office was to the President of the 

United States inviting him to Ocean Grove's anniversary on July 31. (See 

Appendix.) 

Telephones 

These were first introduced into Ocean Grove in 188 1, ani for the 
privilege of entering and conducting business upon the grounds, the Tele- 
phone Company granted the use of three of their instruments: one at the 
Main office, one at the Auditorium, and one at the Tent House. Ex- 
cellent service resulted and a vast amount of time was saved bv their use. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES 



177 



To facilitate travel to the grounds, a subscription of $500 was made 
by the Association to the capital stock of the "Deal and Squan River Turn- 
pike Company," which was to build a turnpike from the Squan River 
bridge to Deal, where it would connect with the road from Long Branch. 
It must be remembered that Ocean Grove was somewhat over six miles 
from the nearest railroad station at Long Branch, and that the only means 
of conveyance was by stage. 

The wisdom of this action was shortly justified, for in 1873 a close 
estimate indicated that about 25,000 people had come to Ocean Grove by 
way of Long Branch or Squan, using the turnpike for this purpose. 

Among the deeply felt embarrassments of the situation was a lack of 
railroad connections. While the road from Long Branch to Ocean Grove 
was fine for some distance along the seashore and in pleasant surroundings, 
the difficulties of conveying several thousand persons with baggage by means 
of stages were great. The question was constantly asked, "'When will 
there be a railroad?" 

In 1 87 1 a meeting was held in Ocean Grove at which the railroad 
authorities were present; the officials pledged themselves to have a railroad 
in operation by the middle of May, 1872, "providing sufficient financial 
encouragement could be had." 

While the Association preferred to devote the proceeds of the sales of 
its leaseholds to direct improvements on the grounds, it was constrained to 
believe that railroad facilities were an imperative requirement. Guided by 
the result of the subscription to the turnpike enterprise some two years 
before, the Association subscribed to $10,000 of the stock of the proposed 
railroad. Additional subscriptions aggregating $1,500 were made by the 
lot-holders and friends. The perplexities attending stage travel undoubt- 
edly led to this action. 

There was a demand for a stage line to run throughout the year. For 
six months the business would not pay, and in the absence of the regular 
line of stages a visitor was charged from $2 to $5 per trip, with possibly a 
single hour or less at the Grove. 

Pending the opening of the railroad a contract was made with Tilton 
& Stiles to run a line of stages between Long Branch and Ocean Grove for 
one year from February I, 1872; the fare during the nonpaying months was 
to be 75 cents, passage ; during the season proper to be 60 cents. There was 
no trouble with outside stages while the business did not pay, but when 
travel increased, troubles multiplied "until the outside opposition, en- 
couraged in many instances by inside parties, became an unmitigated 
nuisance." As the Association's arrangement for transporting the public 



178 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

became better known, the inside sympathy abated and tbe opposition died, 
"a somewhat stubborn, natural death." 

Unhappily, the railroad investment did not prove to be so successful as 
that of the turnpike. After the Association had paid for $5,500 of the 
bonds in the Farmingdale & New Egypt Railroad, which bonds were 
indorsed by the New Jersey Southern Railroad, the first named failed to 
meet its obligation and the latter claimed exemption from theirs. 

It was the 28th of August, 1875, when the first train arrived at Ocean 
Grove from New York, and two trains came that afternoon. Shortly 
after this the track was completed to Squan, where connections were made 
to Philadelphia. Since then regular service has been maintained. 

Notwithstanding the difficulties of travel preceding the opening of the 
railroad, the people had been coming in increasing thousands year by year. 
During the fifth year at least 40,000 came, and during the sixth year 
(1875) not less than 50,000. The natural expectations that with the ad- 
vent of the railroad and the centennial year the attendance in 1876 would 
vastly exceed those of previous years were fully realized. 

The location of the passenger depot where it now stands was thought 
only to be a temporary arrangement, the expectation being that the Ocean 
Grove depot would ultimately be established opposite Ocean Grove upon 
the land purchased in 1875. 

From September 1, 1875, to September 1, 1876, which represented the 
first year of its existence, the receipts at the station were over $47,000. 

The railroad traffic steadily increased until in 1879 a close estimate 
indicated that not less than 50,000 pieces of baggage and express packages 
had been received ; that at least 300,000 persons had come to Ocean Grove 
by rail, while 72 excursions had also arrived, and on one day these special 
trains had brought 8,000 persons. 

The coming of great numbers of excursionists added to the anxiety of 
the trustees. The excursionists accompanied by bands of music, as was 
then the custom, frequently arrived at hours of public worship, greatly 
disturbing the services; then, besides, they frequently made a picnic ground 
of the Auditorium, scattering the remnants of their picnic lunches over the 
seats and in the straw. The coming of mere pleasure-seekers, therefore, 
impelled only by curiosity, and who did not remain long enough to be 
impressed by their surroundings, was not encouraged. 

Sunday Trains 

The question of Sunday travel had exercised the minds of the founders 
of Ocean Grove from the beginning. The sanctity of the Sabbath was one 
of the fundamental principles upon which the place was founded. Nu- 
merous efforts from the outside had been made from time to time to change 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 179 

this, but the founders stood steadfastly against it. In 1879 this matter 
became a subject of correspondence between the railroad and the Associa- 
tion. (See Appendix.) 

The increasing railroad traffic, which in 1881 aggregated about 
500,000 persons arriving at the depot during the months of June, July, 
August, and September, together with the increasing number of excur- 
sionists, brought forth favorable recommendation of the application by the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company for a grant of ground for a depot at or 
near the head of Fletcher Lake. The president admonished the Associa- 
tion, in whatever action was taken, to "never fail to guard with the utmost 
solicitude and rigidity the sacredness and sanctity of the holy Sabbath, or 
make any grant that will compromise the question." 

Sunday trains were first run in 1883. The trains did not stop at 
Ocean Grove, an exemption which it was expected the railroad company 
would continue "with all the sacredness of the highest moral obligation that 
can be imposed upon honorable men." Nevertheless, it was a source of 
profound regret to have the Sunday trains run through the Grove. 

In 1910-1 1 there was a new agitation for the stopping of Sunday trains 
at Ocean Grove station. The Association resisted "by all possible means 
the efforts to annul the existing contract by which railway trains were not 
permitted to stop at the main station in Asbury Park-Ocean Grove on the 
Sabbath day." In course of time a petition was sent from the Asbury Park 
Council to the Public Utilities Commission, recently created by the State 
Legislature, which decided that "public interest demanded the stopping of 
all trains," and issued the order for them to do so beginning with No- 
vember 1, 191 1. An appeal was taken from this decision by the Ocean 
Grove Association, but this was decided adversely by the courts. 

In justice to the railway company it must be said, that while running 
Sunday trains elsewhere it stood by its agreement with the Association 
until obliged to do otherwise. 

POLICE AND FIRE PROTECTION 
Police Department 

At the beginning the police force consisted mainly of men selected from 
the workmen, those who were found most intelligent and best adapted to 
the duties required of them. They were and always have been walking 
encyclopaedias and general directories for the benefit of the visitors, and 
guardians for the children. 

With the advent of the railroad in 1876 and with additional trav- 
elers, it was thought well to employ during the winter a night policeman — 
"a protection we have not hitherto taken" — thus insuring careful protec- 



i8o 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 





A 1'ICTLKL STORY FOR XI it CHILDRI-.N 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 181 

tion "both day and night" during the year, while the owners, in many 
instances, were "hundreds of miles away." 

The police duties at Ocean Grove were varied, delicate, and often- 
times trying to the last degree. It required experience, tact, adaptation, 
knowledge of human nature, gentlemanly deportment, self-control, mild- 
ness, and decision. There are not many born policemen, and good ones 
were difficult to get. Their duties must be performed "unostentatiously, 
so as not to attract attention and so delicately that the least offense shall be 
given." 

In 1886 a new lockup was constructed in the basement of the Asso- 
ciation Building at a cost of $117. It was not very often used, but it 
appeared to be a necessity, as "sometimes unruly people straggled through 
our gates and need to be taken care of for the night." 

In 1876 the visitors aggregated at least 100,000. 

The police found pocketbooks, shawls, etc. They cared for lost 
children — -"sometimes two or three on hand at once." A recommendation 
was made in 1889 that "a little tag around the neck or attached to the 
clothing of such as cannot speak plainly, giving the name and address, would 
save much perplexity." 

As a rule, the people coming to Ocean Grove are the law-abiding class. 
There is nothing to draw the others. The stimulus to misrule and violence 
are not at hand and the place is not congenial for the unruly; either "they 
hide away under a sense of their own inferiority, or depart to more con- 
genial climes." 

General John C. Patterson was appointed chief of police in 1 87 1, and 
Frank Tantum, now the chief, was on duty throughout the year. 

This method of policing the grounds proved satisfactory and resulted 
in maintaining perfect order until the multitudes increased by the coming 
of the railroad. Then it was felt important to have a police magistrate, 
so that if an arrest were made there could be prompt dispatch of the case. 

In the early part of 1876 the Legislature passed a law enabling the 
governor to appoint six policemen, one of which should receive a commission 
as police justice. Thereupon the Executive Committee of the Association 
applied to Governor Bedle for the appointment of J. C. Patterson, Lewis 
Rainear, and Frank Tantum as policemen, with the added request that 
J. C. Patterson be commissioned as police justice. 

The duties of the police were various, for besides enforcing the rules 
of the Association they were also obliged to remove nuisances of all de- 
scriptions. Among the latter class have been recorded pack-peddlers, organ- 
grinders, eyeglass peddlers, brass bands put off during camp-meeting, prize- 
package venders, circus tumblers, noisy straw-riders, religious frauds, 
Punch and Judy shows, tramps, etc. 



182 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

Policemen were stationed at the entrance gates on the turnpike, at 
Pilgrim Pathway ferry (there being no bridge at that time, throughout the 
interior of the grounds, and on Wesley Lake where, as early as 1878, there 
were five hundred and thirty boats. 

Some of the nuisances, after having been removed from the grounds, 
would "return as often as twenty times a week." To accommodate these 
persistent individuals there was provided "a new and substantial lockup 
upon our grounds," of which, as soon as it became known, it has been 
said, there was "no occasion for its use." 

The policing of Ocean Grove was not "necessary for our own people" 
but for "the unchristian and incoming lawlessness of the outside world 
against which we have to protect ourselves." 

Fire Department 

During the first five years only one small fire occurred, but it suggested 
the necessity of having the lots cleared of their leaves and underbrush. 
Another small fire occurring in the Association barn emphasized the 
importance of the recommendation for "the immediate purchase of a fire 
apparatus of sufficient capacity to afford reasonable protection." A large 
fire engine was shortly purchased and a fire house erected on Olin Street, 
near Pilgrim Pathway, facing the Memorial Park. 

This was two stories high and accommodated the engine and appar- 
atus in one large room on the ground floor. In the second story was a large 
front room and a small one back. The front room was plastered and 
furnished by the young volunteer firemen and was thereafter used for a 
reading room and was available "for prayer or other religious meetings." 

Subsequently the engine — the property of the Association — was placed 
in the custody of the Fire Company consisting of persons permanently upon 
the grounds. 

With the increasing property values and the greater risk of fire, not- 
withstanding the presence of the fire engine and a well organized Fire 
Company, there was danger in insufficient supply of water. To provide an 
adequate supply two cisterns were constructed ; one at the corner of Pit- 
man and Beach Avenues, and one at the coiner of Surf and Beach Avenues. 
These were followed by wells near the Tabernacle; Main and New Jersey 
Avenues; Heck and New York Avenues; Embury and Beach Avenues 
respectively. 

The next fire resulted from "the careless use of matches in the hands 
of a little colored boy," causing the destruction of a private tent with its 
contents. 

After a time the question of more efficient fire apparatus resulted in 
considerable attention. A joint committee from Ocean Grove and Asbury 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



183 



Wesley Lake 




LOOKING EAST 




LOOKING WEST 



1 84 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

Park was appointed to consider the propriety of purchasing a steam engine 
jointly for both places. Several meetings of the committee were held, and at 
least one public meeting of the winter residents. The whole matter was 
thoroughly discussed, resulting in the purchase by the Association of "a 
good four-wheeled truck, four ladders, fire hooks, buckets, axes, and all the 
adjuncts of such an arrangement ; four small fire extinguishers, and a large- 
size four-wheel chemical engine." This with "the old line suction engine" 
was thought to protect Ocean Grove as well or better than other popu- 
lations of an equal size. 

Captain Lewis Rainear became chief in 1880. Two water wagons 
used for sprinkling the streets were kept filled each night as a further pre- 
caution. Day Brothers engine could throw water into the tank in the 
Association building for a fire in the business section. 

The Fire Department was supplied with hats, belts, buckets, and fur- 
nished themselves with red flannel uniform shirts in 1 881 "so that on 
parade or duty they make a good appearance." 

The first company was Washington Fire Company No. 1 ; the third 
company was E. H. Stokes Hook and Ladder Company. 

In 1883 a substantial two-story building was erected on Olin Street 
between Pilgrim Pathway and Central Avenue, the second story making 
a "beautiful room handsomely furnished, designed for company purposes." 
The cost of the furniture was met by donations from the company and its 
friends in Ocean Grove. 

In 1884 wells were sunk, four in Wesley Lake and two in Fletcher 
Lake, for the suction pipe of the steam engine if the supply of water in the 
lakes should be low. 

A fire alarm was also attached to the clock bell in the tower so that 
immediate alarm could be given. An honorary membership in the fire 
department could be secured for $1 annually for the creation of a fund "to 
be expended in the employment of a special watch in times of special 
danger." 

A new steam fire engine became necessary in 1886, for the previous one 
had "reached a state where it was liable to explode at any time." It was 
then that "a fire district, taking in the whole of Ocean Grove, and West 
Grove, was therefore formed according to law, commissioners elected, an 
assessment by regular and lawful vote of the citizens of the district ordered 
upon the property, and a new engine purchased at a cost of ,>}oOO." Upon 
its arrival there was a grand parade of the Fire Departments of Ocean 
Grove and Asbury Park. 

In 1889 a new company was organized in West Grove called "Un- 
excelled Fire Company No. 2," this being also a part of the Ocean Grove 
fire district. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



185 







1 86 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

This being the twentieth anniversary of the founding of Ocean Grove, 
there was "a very excellent collation served at Morrow & Day's," follow- 
ing the annual parade, after which "a magnificent silver trumpet" was 
presented by the summer residents for the use of the chief. 

Ocean Grove is now guarded by three volunteer fire companies, namely, 
the E. H. Stokes Engine Company, Washington Fire Company, and the 
Eagle Truck Company. The efficiency of the Fire Departments thus con- 
stituted has become widely known ; and largely to their vigilance and activ- 
ity Ocean Grove has escaped any serious conflagrations. 

In recognition of the services rendered, and for the kindly interest 
shown by the firemen, the Association has for many years granted to them 
a night in the Auditorium for concert or entertainment purposes, the entire 
proceeds of which are devoted to the benefit of the fire companies. 

THE OCEAN GROVE ANNIVERSARIES 

Institutions, like individuals, have birthdays. Ocean Grove may be 
said to have been born on July 31, 1869, and each anniversary of that date 
has been observed with more or less interest and ceremony. 

The event thus celebrated could scarcely have appeared of any great 
significance to an onlooker at the time. The place was a remote wilder- 
ness of billowy sand-drifts, spending themselves against a scrubby grove of 
pines and stunted oaks, in a tangled undergrowth of thorns, briers, and 
huckleberry bushes. The entire population of the tract covered by Ocean 
Grove consisted of four persons — a man, his wife and their two children. 
What is now Asbury Park had not a single inhabitant. Into this wilder- 
ness had come a few families, pitching their tents on some partly cleared 
knolls near Wesley Lake (then called Long Pond), to enjoy a fortnight of 
sea bathing, and pine air, apart from the distractions and exactions of 
fashionable resorts. 

The July night referred to was a brilliant one. Some of the campers 
had trudged over the soft dunes to the beach to see the moon rise "out of the 
ocean." The rest decided to hold a prayer meeting, gathering in the tent of 
Mrs. Joseph H. Thornley for the purpose. By the time the little service 
was under way the stollers had returned, and in that small, candle-lighted 
tent, on the natal night of Ocean Grove, the entire tiny colony was pres- 
ent. They numbered just twenty-two. The names of all have been pre- 
served. No one of them is living now. But Ocean Grove still lives. 

In the accounts of what took place, the one incident which stands out 
most vividly is the quoting by Rev. Ellwood H. Stokes, leader of the meet- 
ing and first president of Ocean Grove, of the phrase which became the 
Ocean Grove motto. Under the stress of great emotion and perhaps with a 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 187 

half-realized prevision of the future, he repeated, with an intensity of em- 
phasis never forgotten by those who heard, the words, "In the beginning, 
God!" 

As Ocean Grove grew — and grow it did, with phenomenal rapidity — 
Anniversary Day was annually observed with great enthusiasm. All flags 
were unfurled. The Auditorium platform was decorated and public exer- 
cises were held, usually consisting of a young people's entertainment with 
music and recitations in the afternoon, followed by an anniversary prayer 
meeting in the evening, the latter having a recorded attendance on some 
occasions of more than three thousand. Sometimes a whole day was given 
up to the festival, a historical address being delivered by the president, or a 
sermon preached by some distinguished minister or bishop. Once the Presi- 
dent of the United States participated by invitation in the celebration. 
And always at the principal gathering the "Ocean Grove chapter" was read 
— the fifth of Isaiah, containing the prophecy which seemed to have been 
so marvelously fulfilled in this wilderness of sand and brush. There are 
some of us who, to this day, can neither read nor hear that matchless poem 
without being carried back to those old Anniversaries, when our childish 
hearts devoutly believed the words to have been written with particular 
reference to this strip of the New Jersey coast! 

For many years it was the custom on Anniversary Day to unveil some 
monument, or perform some other special service, as an expression of grati- 
tude and praise. These included commemorative fountains and flower urns 
in the parks and other conspicuous places. 

The first celebration — the sixth anniversary in 1875 — was a great day 
at Ocean Grove. The president of the Camp Meeting Association, Dr. 
Stokes, delivered an historical address in the Auditorium, where, seated 
respectively at his right and left, were the President of the United States, 
General Ulysses S. Grant, and a high dignitary of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, Bishop Levi Scott. After the exercises in the Auditorium the 
memorial vase standing before the entrance of the Post Office on Pilgrim 
Pathway was unveiled with appropriate ceremony. On the marble slabs 
which adorned the four sides of the base, had been inscribed the names of 
those members of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association who had 
died ; and since then the names of others who have passed away have also 
been inscribed until the remaining space has been filled. 

On the seventh anniversary Saint Paul's Church was dedicated. On 
the ninth the new Methodist Hymnal was first introduced. On the 
twelfth, following the young people's exercises in the Auditorium, the 
entire congregation marched to the new Association Building, which was 
formally dedicated "to Almighty God, to be used for His glory, in the trans- 
action of all business, whether secular or religious, . . . and such other 



1 88 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

exercises as may not be inconsistent with the doctrines, discipline, or usages 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church." On this occasion the first letter 
received through the new Post Office and the first telegram transmitted 
from the new telegraph office were read aloud amid hearty applause. One 
year instead of a monument, the anniversary offering was the six new 
artesian wells. In 1887 the new Young People's Temple was consecrated, 
and two years later Thornley Chapel was dedicated, on Anniversary Day. 

Of late years memorial exercises have been combined with those of the 
Anniversary. But originally the two were quite distinct, and the "birth- 
day" of Ocean Grove was wholly a joyous and festal occasion. 

Monuments and Fountains 

It was in Memorial Park on the sixth anniversary of Ocean Grove 
that a "memorial vase was erected." Not only was it intended to commem- 
orate the first religious service held upon the grounds, but to provide a 
place on which might be inscribed the names of the members of the Asso- 
ciation who had died, such carving to be upon the marble slabs found 
upon the several sides. 

On the seventh anniversary, after the Young People's celebration in 
the Auditorium in the afternoon, the vase in Centennial Park, opposite the 
Arlington, was dedicated to "the young people of Ocean Grove." 

At the eighth anniversary exercises, which were again conducted mainly 
by the young people, a large vase filled with flowers was unveiled and dedi- 
cated to the Pioneer Women of Ocean Grove. This vase stood originally 
just at the head of Ocean Pathway, but has since been moved somewhat to 
the south. 

On July 4, 1878, after the Independence Day celebration, following 
the parade of the McKnight Rifle Company under command of Captain 
Lewis Rainear, a company of citizens joined them and marched with 
them to the foot of Main Avenue, where the Statue "Angel of Victory" 
was unveiled. The plot upon which the statue had been erected was named 
"Monmouth Place" in honor of the battle of Monmouth. There were 
short speeches of presentation and reply, after which the procession moved 
to the Auditorium, where the usual Independence Day exercises occurred, 
with an oration by the Rev. Charles R. Hartranfft, with music under the 
direction of Willisford Dey, Esq. 

The tenth anniversary of Ocean Grove was celebrated as a great 
occasion, in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Bishop Simpson preached 
"eloquently and impressively from Isa. 6. 3." 

In the afternoon, following the Young People's exercises, two statues 
were unveiled to the north and south of Ocean Pathway near the Audi- 
torium, each bearing the figures 1869-1879, and were to commemorate the 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE i8g 

first ten years of the founding of Ocean Grove. One bore the name 
"Grace" as an acknowledgment, and the other "Gratitude," as thanks. 

The day's exercises were concluded by a prayer meeting, and concluded 
what to them was "the best anniversary we have ever held." 

"Jennie and Joe," a new piece of statuary at the foot of Main Avenue, 
was unveiled in 1880, following a parade down Main Avenue by the chil- 
dren of Ocean Grove, escorted by the McKnight Rifle Company under 
Captain Rainear. A heavy wind and rain storm accompanied by thunder 
and lightning interfered with the public reception of the evening. 




ANGEL OF VICTORY 



Bishop Bowman preached on the eleventh anniversary. Following the 
young people's exercises, the people proceeded to the "newly erected foun- 
tain opposite the Bishop Janes's Memorial Tabernacle," at which time Dr. 
Alday read Dr. Ballard's "Apostrophe to Water," after which President 
Stokes said, "This fountain is dedicated to the friends of temperance, and 
to the perpetual use of pure cold water." 

In 1882 the "Angel of Victory," which had been broken a couple of 
years before, had been repaired and was placed on its pedestal at the foot of 
Main Avenue. "Jennie and Joe," really a fountain, which had been placed 
there in 1880 together with a new fountain named "Good Will," were 
brought up near the Auditorium and unveiled there. 

The anniversary exercises for 1889 were somewhat changed in char- 
acter to make it the occasion of the dedication of Thornley Chapel. As the 
first meeting had been held in Mr. Thornley's tent, it was deemed espe- 
cially appropriate that the dedication of the Chapel in his memory should 
mark the anniversary. 



190 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



Preliminary services were held in the Auditorium, which were in the 
character of a tribute to Mr. Thornley as "the Christian merchant." The 
congregation then repaired to Thornley Chapel, where Bishop Foss, assisted 
by other ministers, dedicated the building. This building has since been 
in constant use the year round for religious services. 

The Stokes Monument 
At the semiannual meeting of the Association held May 15, 1902, a 
committee was appointed "for the purpose of erecting on these grounds, a 




THE STOKES MONUMENT 



suitable monument to the Rev. E. H. Stokes, D.D., LL.D.," the first presi- 
dent of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. 

After deciding that the monument should be a bronze statue of heroic 
size, the services of Paul W. Morris were secured as sculptor. The cost 
was determined as not exceeding $6,000, and the committee proceeded to 
solicit popular subscriptions. It is estimated that the entire amount col- 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 191 

lected, including the basket collections, represented at least three thousand 
different subscribers. 

The 36th Anniversary Day, July 31, 1905, was fixed as the most suit- 
able time for the unveiling of the statue. On this occasion an address was 
made by Governor Stokes, and an oration delivered by Bishop Spellmeyer, 
while the unveiling was done by A. H. De Haven, Esq. 

In reporting this event to the Association, the Committee congratulated 
the friends of Ocean Grove that there was permanently erected "in our 
midst, a constant reminder to one who planned and executed long and well 
in the upbuilding of this city by the sea." 

The death of Dr. Stokes occurred on the evening of July 16, 1897, 
when "the great sorrow whose shadow had for months been falling before 
us was realized in the presence of such members of the Association as could 
be gathered together ; after an impressive prayer by Bishop FitzGerald, 
our beloved president departed for heaven." 

A meeting of the Emergency Committee, called by the vice-president, 
was held in the reception room of the Auditorium, to take into consideration 
the arrangement of appropriate funeral services in memory of the de- 
ceased president, at which Monday, July 19, 1897, at 2 o'clock p. M., was 
the time fixed for the solemnities. The members of the Association were 
invited to attend in a body, and a committee appointed to arrange these 
services in connection with the family of the deceased president. A com- 
mittee on resolutions was appointed, who reported that : 

Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, in a wisdom which is beyond our 
comprehension, to remove from us our beloved president and pastor, the Rev. E. H. 
Stokes; therefore 

Resolved, i. That in the decease of the Rev. Ellwood H. Stokes, D.D., LL.D., 
the first and only president of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, we have sustained a loss which to human foresight 
seems irreparable. 

Resolved, 2. That his eminent abilities, cultured by continuous application to 
the duties of his offices of president and pastor; his impressive personal presence, 
always inspiring respect; his courteous and genial manner, illustrative of large 
kindness of heart; his patient and generous nature, ever more considerate of others 
than himself; his wise administration of business, through which our phenomenal 
success has largely been attained, all crowned with the fullness of a spirituality 
which shone transparently through the deeds of his daily life, entitle him to a record 
rarely accorded to men in any position. 

Resolved, 3. That in a sorrow which has no expression in words, we feel 
deeply grateful that for nearly twenty-eight years he has been permitted to exercise 
among us the duties and privileges appertaining to his high office. That we find in 
the example of his life, and the peaceful trust of his death, a powerful incentive to 
follow him as he followed Christ, so that when we too shall be called away from 
time, we may enjoy his fellowship again in the world where his Divine Master has 
said to him, "Come up higher." 



192 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



That we tender to his bereaved widow, who for over fifty years has been the 

beloved companion of his life, and to the other members of his family, our deepest 

sympathy in their sorrow, and pray the God he loved and served to be their 

God for ever and ever. „ „ 

J. R. Daniels, 

J. H. Alday, 

A. E. Ballard. 

Committee. 

Copies of the resolutions were ordered to be sent to members of the 
family and public press. 

It was ordered by the committee that the funeral service should be the 
order of the Ritual of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and that notices be 
sent to all members of the New Jersey Conference ; that invitations be issued 
to Asbury Park officials, and that proper arrangements be made for seating 
the family, the Association, and all invited individuals or companies. 

It was ordered that the body should lie in state from Monday, 6 p. m., 
to Tuesday, 6 a. m. 

A special palace car was ordered from the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
pany, in which to convey the family and friends to the cemetery at Haddon- 
field, where the final interment would take place. 

The Rev. J. R. Daniels was appointed to superintend the leave taking 
of the people. 

It was announced that Bishop FitzGerald had consented to preach the 
funeral sermon, and Bishop Newman was invited to participate in the 
services. 

While the death of Dr. Stokes was not altogether unexpected, it was 
somewhat confusing, for all the details of the summer program had been in 
his special charge. The Devotional Committee, however, consisting of 
A. E. Ballard, J. H. Alday, and J. R. Daniels, immediately took charge, 
so that it was said "all our work, both spiritual and secular, moved forward 
without any apparent lessening of force." 

The Alday Memorial Fountain 

One of the most recent and beautiful of the enduring recognitions with 
which Ocean Grove has begun from time to time to honor some of those 
who have signally helped in the making of her character and fame is the 
John H. Alday Memorial Fountain. 

This graceful tribute of affection and remembrance was erected in 
1915 and was most appropriately placed in the center of Woodlawn Park, 
the prettiest of Ocean Grove's little green parks and close to the home (for 
many years) of him whose name and work it commemorates. It is also so 
situated that nearly every one who visits the place, coming in by the prin- 
cipal entrance at the head of Main Avenue, is sure to catch at least a glimpse 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



193 



of it within a minute or two of his arrival and have his first impression of 
Ocean Grove and its attractiveness enhanced by this new embellishment. 
To thousands who have long known Ocean Grove, no monument of 




bronze is required to keep the memory of Dr. Alday fresh. Many there 
are to whom it can never seem as if his presence had altogether left the 
haunts he loved so long and so well. On the Auditorium platform, in the 



194 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



Tabernacle, in Thornley Chapel, at Saint Paul's Church, or passing up and 
down beneath the trees that shade the pleasant streets, one still can seem to 
see, as in the years gone by, the tall, impressive figure, the grave yet kindly 
face, and the luminous smile always ready to greet a friend or to gladden 
the heart of a little child. 




JOHN H. ALDAY, M.D. 

(Elected to fill vacancy in the Association caused by 

the second death among the charter members.) 



But every year brings new friends to add to the old, or to take their 
places, and so there are always some to whom the best known of yesterday 
are strangers to-day. Therefore it is most fitting that such remembrances 
should be placed, and none is more suitably rendered than this. 

There are few, even of the oldest residents, who can recall a time when 
Dr. Alday was not part and parcel of Ocean Grove. Although not a 
charter member of the Association, when, in the third year of its history, 
the deaths of three of the founders made their places in that body vacant, 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 195 

he was elected to fill one of the vacancies. The other two chosen at the 
same time were his friends the Rev. J. R. Daniels and the Hon. J. L. Hays, 
one of whom preceded and the other followed him, at intervals of but a 
few years. 

From the time of his election until his death, Dr. Alday was con- 
stantly identified with the life and interests of Ocean Grove. He soon 
built a cottage here, later erecting a more substantial and spacious residence, 
and for many years made the place his permanent home. Previous to 
settling here he had been actively engaged in ministerial work as a member 
of the Philadelphia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
filled several important appointments, and his career was marked by distin- 
guished success, both as a pastor and in the conduct of revivals. It was to 
these that, until the very end of his life, he loved best to refer in intimate 
conversations with his friends. 

To the principles and early traditions of Ocean Grove Dr. Alday 's 
strongly religious mind, as well as his warm sentiment, gave the most 
unreserved adherence. He believed profoundly in the future of the insti- 
tution, but only as it maintained its loyalty to the spirit in which it was 
founded. In all its spiritual and intellectual work he was most earnestly 
active, holding successive responsible positions both on committees and in 
the conduct of public services. Especially in the summer morning meet- 
ings in the Tabernacle and those held on Sunday afternoons in Thornley 
Chapel through the remainder of the year — except in the months which the 
state of his health obliged him to spend with his family in the South — he 
was a faithful leader. 

In the other relations of life he was ever the genial friend, courtly in 
manner, warm in sympathy and practical in its expression. For children he 
had a singularly loving heart and a "way" which seemed to be irresistibly 
winning. The little folk always loved him, and it is said that in his earlier 
practice of medicine it was with them that he had his most conspicuous suc- 
cess. 

It seems, somehow, peculiarly fitting that the memorial to a man like 
John H. Alday should take the form of this bronze fountain, with its con- 
stant stream of pure, clear water. Such was his life, a continuous out- 
giving of help and inspiration and pure, ennobling influence. 

NOTABLE EVENTS 

There have been many notable occasions at Ocean Grove, so numerous 
in fact that it will be impossible to mention them all. 

Early in its history, however, there was one of unique character, as it 
illustrates the feeling which existed among the residents. 



[96 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



The Osborn Cottage 

In the first annual report the president, Dr. Stokes, recommended that 
cottage be provided for the superintendent, the Rev. W. B. Osborn, "as 
testimonial of esteem and in further consideration for the labors ren- 




THE OSBORN COTTAGE 



dered." Mr. Osborn, it will be recalled, was the founder of Ocean Grove. 
The Association funds were too low to admit of this particular recom- 
mendation, though all felt the propriety of the suggestion. As the years 
passed on, Mr. Osborn relinquished bis position and removed to Florida. 
His intention to return having been learned, the matter was taken up 
again, and under the direction of Mrs. John S. Inskip, the wife of one of 
the charter members of the Association, the scheme to provide the cottage 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 197 

was carried through successfully. The money was subscribed and collected, 
a cottage costing over three thousand dollars constructed at the corner of 
Pilgrim Pathway and Wesley Lake, and on July 15, 1873, the cottage was 
presented to Mr. Osborn who, it is said, was "overcome by this unexpected 
kindness." Dr. Stokes delivered an historical poem concluding with "O, 
Pioneer Brother, we welcome you now." 

The Wedding on the Beach 

Another very interesting and unique event occurred in 1873. It was 
nothing less than a wedding on the beach at the foot of Ocean Pathway! 
The officiating clergymen were the Rev. J. S. Inskip, of the Ocean Grove 
Association, assisted by the Rev. J. D. Adams, then of Buffalo. "It was 
just at the sunset hour, by the ocean in the presence of thousands of wit- 
nesses where the beautiful ceremony of the church was pronounced. Silent 
and most impressive was the scene ; only the measured dash of the surf and 
the voice of the officiating clergymen were heard. There was a harmony 
in the occasion of the surroundings, and the wedding on the beach seemed to 
be the poetry of marriage." 

"A Free Lunch — Enjoyed by All" 

Independence Day celebration in the Centennial year — 1876 — was 
likewise "a grand celebration." Ocean Grove and Asbury Park united on 
this occasion. There was a procession of two military companies, members 
of the Ocean Grove Association, the Asbury Park Commissioners and many 
others marching through the Park and Ocean Grove to the Auditorium, 
where James A. Bradley, the founder of Asbury Park, presided. The 
music was rendered by the choir of Saint Paul's Church of Ocean Grove. 
Dr. Ballard delivered the oration, and at the conclusion "a free lunch was 
served" — all of which appears to have been "richly enjoyed by all." 

President Grant at Ocean Grove 

The fact that the founding of Ocean Grove and the inauguration of 
Ulysses S. Grant as President of the United States took place in the same 
year is not in itself a sufficiently remarkable coincidence to receive much 
emphasis, even from a sentimental point of view. But the accompanying 
fact that the infant resort was located so near to the President's summer 
home at Long Branch, and that its first years and period of most phenom- 
enal growth coincided with his two administrations, is somewhat more 
significant. For this no doubt had much to do with the friendly interest 
which Grant always manifested toward the place. 

During those years it was no infrequent thing to see him at Ocean 
Grove. Gray-haired men and women who were children here in the sev- 



198 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



enties remember quite distinctly his occasional visits to these grounds and 
the keen thrills of excitement that ran through young, hero-worshiping 
hearts on the days when the news spread — as such news would — that Grant 
was here. 

Some of these visits were by invitation and in a sense official. One 
such was on Independence Day in 1875. The day was really the fifth of 




ULYSSES S. GRANT 
President of the United States 1869-1877 



July, the "glorious fourth" having fallen that year on a Sunday. Kut the 
celebration was on the largest scale which Ocean Grove had up to that time 
attempted. A large and beautiful new flag was raised with appropriate 
ceremonies at the foot of Ocean Pathway. The Declaration of Inde- 
pendence was read by Joseph H. Thornley, Esq., of Philadelphia, and a 
patriotic oration was delivered by the president of the Association, Dr. E. H. 
Stokes. An invitation to be present on this occasion had been extended to 
President Grant, who accepted graciously, took an unassuming part in the 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 199 

exercises, and afterward dined with the officers of the Association at the 
Pitman House. 

Those who were present related with pleasure how, after the dinner, 
Mrs. Grant, who also was of the company, joined with others in the 
singing of patriotic and religious songs; and many still remember the hour 
that followed ; when the President was conducted to the Auditorium, 
where a great crowd of people had gathered and where a kind of informal 
reception was held, the honored guest giving a generous and willing interval 
to handshaking. This privilege was especially sought and enjoyed by the 
many children present, and none entered more heartily into the spirit of 
the occasion than President Grant himself. 

Again, on what was then called Anniversary Day, now known as 
Founders' Day, Grant was invited to be present at the commemorative 
exercises. This also was a notable occasion. A large congregation gathered 
at the Auditorium. The "stand" had been handsomely decorated with 
flags and flowers, most of the members of the Association occupying places 
upon it. Special music was prepared and other attractive features were 
introduced into the program. It was generally known that the President 
was expected, and there was a sense of disappointment when, at the time 
for the service to begin, the seat of honor prepared for him on the right of 
Dr. Stokes was seen to be still vacant, the chair on the left being occupied 
by Bishop Scott. But the disappointment was only for a little while. The 
distinguished guest had been unexpectedly and unavoidably delayed ; but, 
rather than fail to keep his engagement, he arrived after the beginning of 
the exercises and during Dr. Stokes's Historical Address, which was inter- 
rupted long enough for the enthusiastic and affectionate welcome which 
Ocean Grove always had ready for the nation's hero. 

Other visits were made quietly and without any of the pomp and cir- 
cumstance attached to high position. Such, indeed, were always repugnant 
to %he great and simple nature of the man. The matchless soldier and the 
nation's chief was also a dutiful son and brother, and during the time that 
his mother and sister occupied a cottage near Wesley Lake he came at fre- 
quent intervals to visit them. These trips from Long Branch were made 
by carriage, and the President's favorite pair of horses came in time to be as 
quickly recognized as the man himself. It is not surprising, perhaps, that 
Main Avenue, so wide and straight and smooth, offered to a genuine horse- 
lover almost irresistible temptation to speeding; but the big and command- 
ing chief of police, Avho still holds the same position at Ocean Grove, testi- 
fies that on certain occasions when it became necessary for him to lift his 
hand as a warning signal the President always and instantly complied, rein- 
ing in his spirited bays to a decorous trot. 

But of all the visits of Grant to Ocean Grove, there was one which 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 




THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 201 

left a peculiarly deep impression. It was on a Sunday in the height of the 
season. Dr. John P. Newman, afterward Bishop Newman, had been 
invited to preach at the morning service in the Auditorium. There were 
no Sunday trains at that time. In fact, the writer is not absolutely sure 
whether the railroad had as yet been extended to Ocean Grove or not, 
though he believes it had. Dr. Newman was Grant's pastor in Washington 
and his intimate friend. It happened also that at the time of his Ocean 
Grove engagement he was the President's guest in the Long Branch cottage. 
What more natural, then, than that the President should offer to convey 
the preacher in person in his private carriage to Ocean Grove and the 
Auditorium on that Sunday morning? This was the arrangement made 
and communicated to Dr. Stokes. 

But with it arose an unanticipated source of embarrassment. Accord- 
ing to the by-laws, no vehicle could be admitted to Ocean Grove on Sun- 
day. The small gates were open for foot-passengers, but from midnight 
Saturday until the same hour on Sunday the large gates were kept tightly 
closed. What was to be done? Hundreds of visitors came every Sunday, 
in all kinds of conveyances, from the surrounding country; but they all 
alighted unquestioningly outside the inclosure and walked in. This in- 
volved no little exertion and sacrifice of comfort on a hot summer's day; 
for there were no pavements or concrete sidewalks in Ocean Grove then, 
and trudging through the soft sand and flying dust could scarcely have been 
agreeable. But law was law, in those early days, and was cheerfully re- 
spected. 

Here, however, was an unforeseen situation. The President of the 
United States was about to honor the place with his presence. Could the 
law be set aside? On the other hand, could even seeming discourtesy be 
shown the President by asking him to get out of his carriage and walk into 
Ocean Grove like any common man? 

Only the other day a lady who was a girl in her teens at the time, 
recalling the incident, said that she remembered hearing Dr. Stokes con- 
fess in a small circle of intimates how great disquietude the dilemma had 
given him, even robbing him of his sleep at night. But, with the simple 
directness of the large-natured man and true gentleman, the President of 
the Camp Meeting Association met the emergency. Candidly and cour- 
teously he wrote the President of the United States, setting the case before 
him. And Grant rose to the occasion with a fineness and nobility that will 
make his memory forever revered in Ocean Grove. "Who should regard 
and uphold the law, if not the chief magistrate of the nation?" he replied. 
"Enforce your rules. When I come to Ocean Grove on Sunday, I will 
walk in like any other law-abiding citizen." And this he did. 

After the close of his administration Grant still came sometimes to 



202 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

Ocean Grove. On Sunday, August 13, 1882, he was present at the anni- 
versary service of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. The anni- 
versary sermon was preached by Chaplain (afterward Bishop) McCabe, 
and after the sermon Grant's venerable mother was made a life-manager of 
the society by the payment of $100, while the ex-President himself became 
an honorary life-member by the payment of $20. 

Quiet, grave, unassuming, and undemonstrative, Grant came and went, 
maintaining to the very end of his life his friendly relation to this place. 
His last public appearance, indeed, was made in Ocean Grove, and his last 
public words were spoken upon the Auditorium platform. But this occa- 
sion was of too impressive a nature to be added to these reminiscences, and 
of it another will have the privilege of writing. 

General Grant's Last Visit To Ocean Grove 

It was in the summer of 1884, one year before his death, that General 
Grant, long a familiar figure in this place, made his last visit to Ocean 
Grove. 

The occasion was a Reunion of the Army Chaplains of the Civil 
War, growing out of the convention of the Christian and Sanitary Com- 
missions of the Northern and Southern Armies, which had been held here 
the previous year and was in itself one of the most notable events which 
Ocean Grove had ever witnessed. Not many such gatherings, indeed, have 
been seen anywhere as this, in which thousands of men from all parts of 
the country, who had participated for the sake of cherished principles on 
both sides of the great civil struggle of twenty years before, assembled in 
the old auditorium to grasp one another's hands in peace and friendship. 
Over the convention, which continued from Friday, August I, to Sunday, 
August 3, George W. Childs, editor of the Philadelphia Ledger and presi- 
dent of the Christian Commission throughout the war, presided. And so 
thrillingly interesting were all the exercises that it is difficult for one who 
attended most of them, and recalls vividly the intensity of the impressions 
made, not to dwell upon each one of the features that made up the three 
days' program — the beautiful sermon on "Broken Things," delivered Fri- 
day morning by Dr. Dennis Osborne, of India; the reception, on the same 
afternoon, to the Grand Army of the Republic, when post after post of 
veterans, marshaled by Major John C. Patterson, still an honored and be- 
loved resident of Ocean Grove, marched into the Auditorium with music 
and waving banners, while an audience of five thousand persons, on a wave 
of feeling and enthusiasm, sprang to its feet and welcomed the heroes a\ ith 
cheers and waving of handkerchiefs; and the superb oration of the Rev. 
A. J. Palmer, then a young man, whose humor, pathos and eloquence 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



203 



swayed the vast congregation and swept it to unprecedented heights of 
patriotic exaltation. 

But it is of the reception given on the afternoon of the second day 
to General Grant that we have more particularly to write. 

The time was a crisal one in the great soldier's life. Grant was no 
longer President. A physical injury had left him crippled to some extent, 
and his spirits were broken by reason of the failure of the firm of Grant and 
Ward in New York, of which his son was a member and for whose business 
calamities Grant himself had been sorely criticized by an unfriendly press. 
This was, in fact, the first opportunity he had had to meet any large com- 
pany of his comrades, hundreds of whom were massed in the center seats 
below the platform, or any representative gathering of the Christian people 
of the country, since the lamentable business disaster. Naturally, the 
moment when he appeared, accompanied by General Richard Ogilvy and a 
little party of his intimates, was one of strained tension. 

But an Ocean Grove audience has always been one sensitive to fine 
distinctions and responsive to fine issues. As the old commander and former 
President came slowly down the platform, leaning on his crutches and sup- 
ported by George H. Stuart and the Rev. John Foster, to the seat placed 
for him at the side of Dr. Stokes, the vast concourse, moved by the united 
impulse of full hearts, rose to its feet and, with cheers and waving hand- 
kerchiefs, gave the wounded chief such a greeting and welcome as has per- 
haps never before been accorded to any visitor 
on these grounds. It was indeed, as Dr. Stokes 

fsaid at the time, an ovation that defied descrip- 
',-"■ 
\ The person selected and invited to intro- 

^L. \ duce Grant to the audience was the young 

^L-- orator of the previous day, A. J. Palmer, 

Ihfct ' %tofe. / a clergyman it is true, but a soldier before he 
had become a preacher. In fact, it is believed 
I ' that he was the youngest member of the Union 

Army, having enlisted when barely fourteen 
and a half years old in Company D, the 
famous "Die-No-Mores," 48th Regiment, 
New York volunteers, in the summer of 1861. 
During his three years and two months of serv- 
ice, the lad had had a full man's share of mili- 
tary experiences. Captured in a night assault 
upon Fort Wagner, he was imprisoned in 
South Carolina, in Dansville and Saulsbury, 



/ 



REV. A. J. PALMER, D.D. 
As he appeared on the oc- 
casion of the last visit of 
General Grant to the Audi- 
torium at Ocean Grove, in 
the summer of 1884. 

Charleston and Columbia, 



Georgia, and in Libby Prison, Belle Island, and Mayo's Prison, Richmond, 



204 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

for nine months. But he had still his boy's heart and a boy's generous 
worship for the Commander-in-chief of the national army. 

One evening last summer, this soldier lad, now a doctor of divinity and 
an officer of the Ocean Grove Association, strolling with a friend on the 
beach and sitting for an hour in the flooding moonlight, was induced to 
speak of that day of Grant's last visit here and his own personal memories 
of the occasion. 

"How did you feel at having to introduce the General to that great 
congregation?" he was asked. 

"Feel!" He gave a low, indescribable exclamation. "When I saw the 
crowd — and him — and realized the whole breathless situation, I remember 
saying to Dr. Sandford Hunt, also an old soldier, who sat next to me, 'I 
will give you ten dollars if you will make this speech and let me out.' But 
he shook his head. As I went forward and began to speak, for the life of 
me I didn't know what to say. On this same platform the day before I 
had addressed these same people for more than an hour. But I had a feel- 
ing that I was a sort of voice for all of my comrades, living and dead — the 
voice of the thousands of people who had followed this great soldier in his 
battles, speaking for him now the generous judgment of his countrymen. 
I began by saying that I was 'a very appropriate person to introduce him 
because he was the head of the army and I was the tail of it, but that there 
was only one of him, while there was a million of me!' The laughter and 
cheering that followed gave me time to collect myself and try to find my 
cue. All through my address I had a sense that what Grant craved was the 
true sentiment of the Christian people of the country — to know if they 
still trusted him ; and that what the people wanted was an opportunity to 
express that trust. So for probably half an hour I kept feeling my way 
toward some opening that would make it possible to bring those two desires 
into coalescence." 

How successfully this was done, many who were present remember. 
The young speaker was not long in finding his cue. And finally, carrying 
his hearers on the tide of his eloquence, he ran into a sort of gamut of the 
Union generals, which led by natural steps to the fitting climax. It was a 
tribute to one after another of the Union commanders, from "Thomas, 
standing like a rock at Chickamauga, to Hooker, climbing Lookout Moun- 
tain; Sheridan awakening one morning at Winchester 'mid crash of defeat 
and sleeping that night at Fisher's Hill 'mid shouts of victory; Sherman 
cutting their land in two; Burnside, the rock of Knoxville," and finally to 
the "iron man" himself, "the peer of Wellington, Marlborough, or Hanni- 
bal," who sat so quietly there gazing out upon the sea of faces in the Audi- 
torium at Ocean Grove. 

There was a moment of electric silence. The General looked up into 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



20S 




206 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

the young man's face ; the young man looked down with unutterable rever- 
ence into his. Then out of the full heart welled the one unstudied, simple 
sentence that finished the day's work — "And no combination of Wall 
Street sharpers shall tarnish the luster of my old commander's fame for 
me." 

The effect was tremendous. This was what the people had been wait- 
ing for. The keynote was struck. And for many minutes the audience did 
nothing but cheer, some leaping upon their seats and throwing their hats, 
while the great space seemed like a foamy sea of fluttering handkerchiefs. 
Sometimes the applause would subside for a moment, only to rise again and 
again in great waves of enthusiasm. 

At last Grant got upon his feet and attempted to speak. He said that 
when he came upon the platform, an hour ago, he thought that he might 
say a word or two about the chaplains, whose reunion this was, referring 
to their devoted service and their goodness to "the boys," ministering to 
them in the hospitals and writing home letters for them. But when he 
had gotten so far, he burst into tears, adding, "but this young man has over- 
come me," and then cried as if his heart would break. Finally he took his 
seat. A moment later Palmer took his hand and he rose again, taking the 
young man's arm and saying with recovered calmness as they passed off the 
platform, that never before had he been unable to control his feelings. 

This was the last time that the great General ever showed his face to 
his countrymen. Some few afterward saw him through the windows of his 
house on 66th Street, and some later, through the windows of his carriage, 
when they drove him to Mount McGregor to die. But this was his Last 
public appearance. 

On the Fourth of July the following year, 1885, at the close of the 
oration, the following telegram was drafted by a committee and sent to the 
hero and statesman, who was suffering with acute disease at Mount Mc- 
Gregor : 

Ocean Grove, July 4th, 1885, 12 o'clock. 
To General U. S. Grant: 

The citizens of Ocean Grove, N. J., assembled on this anniversary day, wish to 
express to General Grant and family the assurance of their undying remembrance, 
deep sympathy and fervent prayers, with the hope that his life may yet be spared 
to the nation and that at last he may rest with God. 

E. H. Stokes, 

C. Scott, 

M. E. Clakk. 

Early in the afternoon the following was received : 

Mount McGregor, X. Y., July 4th, 1885. 
To E. H. Stokes, C. Scott, M. E. Clark: 

Please return my thanks to the citizens of Ocean Grove. 

I". S. Grant. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 207 

Among the reminiscences shared on that moonlight night last summer, 
Dr. Palmer gave this also, which has a touch of personal interest : 

"When Grant was dead, at the memorial service held in the Academy 
of Music in New York — in some acknowledgment, I suppose, of my having 
spoken those words at Ocean Grove for his comfort — his family invited me 
to share with them their box, and at the conclusion Colonel Grant wrote 
across the edge of his program these words : 'To my father's last friend, 
with the love of his son, Frederick D. Grant' — and gave me it to remember 
him by. I have left it in my will to my eldest son." 

Ocean Grove has had other great days, has received other Presidents 
and statesmen; but except that Abraham Lincoln might have made as great 
a day by his presence, no other American of our generation has so conquered 
the world's esteem because of the greatness of his deeds as the quiet man who 
came to us when his heart was heavy, his step faint, his eye dim, and was 
comforted. 

Garfield and Ocean Grove 

It was as a private citizen, a few years before he became President of 
the United States, that Garfield first came to Ocean Grove. Wishing to 
spend a few quiet days in rest and recreation in congenial surroundings on 
the seashore, he selected this place, coming with his family and making his 
temporary home at the old Main Avenue House, on the corner of Main and 
Beach Avenues. Very little stir was made by the visit, the already distin- 
guished Ohioan passing his time so quietly that only comparatively few per- 
sons took note of his presence. It was, in fact, only after his elevation to 
the highest office in the land, and still more after his tragic and untimely 
end, that residents of Ocean Grove and its summer visitors began to real- 
ize the distinction conferred upon the place by his short sojourn here. The 
Main Avenue House in particular came to enjoy a certain prestige from his 
previous presence there. Strangers flocked to look at his autograph in the 
hotel register, and the proprietress of the house, Miss M. Crossett, took a 
quite pardonable pride in showing her guests the armchair which Garfield 
had purchased for his personal use during his stay and in which he used to 
sit on the veranda gazing cut on the sea. The chair was left behind when 
he departed ; and probably no souvenir in Ocean Grove has ever been held 
in greater honor than this. Not long since a gentleman of considerable 
prominence and influence in both New York and New Jersey, who is 
also still a frequent visitor to Ocean Grove, relating certain boyhood 
recollections in a company of friends, mentioned having been taken by his 
father to see these mementoes and described the deep impression made upon 
his childish mind by the occasion. 

The only time that Garfield was seen at Ocean Grove after the be- 



208 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

ginning of his short presidency was on the 1 8th of June, in 1881. The 
first express train of the season went through on that day, leaving West 
Philadelphia at half past three in the afternoon for Ocean Grove and Long 
Branch, under the convoy of Mr. James Riddle of Manasquan, referred to 
in a local paper of the time as a veteran and model conductor. The train 
consisted of nine cars, one of which was the special car of President Gar- 
field and his family. From the time of leaving Philadelphia until that of 
arrival here, the President had kept himself aloof from observation. Dur- 
ing the halt at this station, however, and while the train was being nearly 
emptied of its passengers, Garfield, moved perhaps by some pleasant recol- 
lection of his former visit and interested in the evidences of the marvelous 
growth and prosperity of the place, of which some glimpse could be obtained 
even from a car window, looked out on the lively scene. 

It was inevitable that the often-photographed face should be recognized 
as soon as seen. In a moment a rousing cheer went up from the crowd of 
alighting passengers, stage-drivers, baggage-men and platform loiterers. 
This the President very graciously and gracefully acknowledged as the train 
moved on, conveying him to his destination at Elberon. 

Once again President Garfield passed through Ocean Grove. But 
on that day there were tears and bowed heads, instead of hand-clappings 
and cheers, from the hundreds who stood anxiously on the same platform. 

Just two weeks from the day of the ovation just described, the news 
had flashed across the country that the President had been stricken down by 
an assassin's bullet in the Pennsylvania Railroad Station at Washington. 
Notwithstanding the common knowledge of the political strife that had 
centered around him for months, the tidings were at first received with utter 
incredulity. With their confirmation, consternation spread through the 
length and breadth of the land. At Ocean Grove the sad intelligence was 
received much the same as elsewhere. In the words of Dr. Stokes, "every 
heart was sad and every countenance betokened grief." During the eighty 
days that he lingered President Garfield was constantly in the thoughts and 
prayers of the people, and the records show that at Ocean Grove, besides 
the petitions in the regular services, seven special prayer meetings were 
held on his behalf, from half an hour to two hours in length and unmea- 
sured in sincerity and earnestness. The end of it all every one knows. But 
it may be said to the credit of Ocean Grove that even in such a time of 
testing, the faith of the people never degenerated into fanaticism or super- 
stition, accepting with resignation and confidence the truth that "God moves 
in a mysterious way." 

It was in early July that the dastardly deed was committed. As the 
President made the grave fight for his life on his bed in the White House at 
Washington, summer grew apace and the heat became so intense that the 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



209 




2 rt 
*3 b£ . 



1 S S 

O eg 
M O £ 



w 



*- 


1 


a 


< 






c 


Eh 


•- 


.3 


"« 


H 


<D 




E 


O 


£X 




O 


en 


bO 


<u 


►J 


J 


re 


U 


E 




Ui 


"o 


c 




fc 




>_■ 




< 


1 


c 


be 


Pn 






-3 


P 


re 


to 


re 


fc 




u 




< 




-c 




J3 






fc 




^J. 


2 










< 

pi 


<£ 


JJ 


."2 


fH 




OJ 


"3 






-5 




O 








1-3 


.E, 





1 










E 




s 


c 


< 








H 


« 


45 


O 










^O 






w 




"* 


*£. 


£ 


oj 






H 


c 


2 


V 

c 



2 h 



210 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

attending physicians and surgeons became convinced that notwithstand- 
ing grave risks of removal, it would be the part of wisdom to find some 
quiet seaside place to which the sufferer could be conveyed and where the 
cooling ocean breezes might aid science in restoring him to health. 

Quickly came the offer of the Franklyn Cottage at Elberon. With 
the swiftness of magic the Central Railroad of New Jersey built a siding 
and laid tracks from the main line directly across the beautiful grounds of 
the summer residents of Elberon to the very door of the cottage, in order 
that the President might be borne thither with the very minimum of danger 
and discomfort. And it is worthy of mention that, so far from resenting 
such disfigurement of their property as no other consideration would have 
induced them to permit, the kindly residents of Elberon regarded as the 
highest honor the presence of the sleepers and rails upon their velvety lawns. 

On the day when the preparations were completed and the doctors 
agreed that, if ever, the chances of the removal might be taken, the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad provided a special car and special train for the journey. 
All other traffic yielded right of way, and the distance was covered at slow 
speed all the way from Washington to Elberon. 

It was of course known that the train must pass through Ocean Grove. 
Long before the hour of its arrival hundreds of persons had gathered upon 
the platform, desiring merely by their presence to express their sympathy 
with the sick President and his family. All spoke with lowered voices, and 
all eyes were turned down the track. As finally the smoke of the engine 
was seen, still far away, the tension increased. Then, as the train rolled 
near, all drew respectfully back from the track, men and boys instinctively 
removed their hats, and a hush fell upon the pitying throng. 

Not in curiosity, nor because any one dreamed of getting a glimpse of 
the brave sufferer, but in solemn interest, every eye was fixed upon the 
President's car. All the shades were down, except that at a single window. 
From this looked out the sorrowful face of a young woman, recognized as 
the President's daughter, Miss Mollie Garfield. Then, slowly on and out 
of sight moved the train, followed by the hopes and prayers of all the 
people that benefit might come and the life of the President be spared. 

The days that followed, until September 19, when the assassin's deadly- 
work was completed, with their tale of alternating hope and despair, are 
matter of history. Nowhere were the bulletins watched with deeper inter- 
est than at Ocean Grove. After Garfield's death three memorial services 
were held here — one on the following evening, September 20; one on Sun- 
day morning, September 25, in which the people of Asbury Park also 
joined ; and a third in the Auditorium on Monday afternoon, September 26, 
at the hour of the President's interment at Cleveland, Ohio. At the last 
Dr. E. H. Stokes read most impressively the burial service of the church. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 211 

It may be of interest to add that at the close of the Auditorium service 
on that day an opportunity was offered, without solicitation, for any who 
wished to contribute toward the Garfield Monument in Lake View Ceme- 
tery, Cleveland. Baskets were placed in front of the pulpit, into which 
contributors might drop such sums as they desired, and in a few moments 
forty-five dollars had been deposited. A few months later a certificate was 
received by Dr. Stokes, as the representative of the people of Ocean Grove, 
for a total contribution of more than fifty dollars. 

President McKinley at Camp Meeting 

When the announcement was made, on that Camp Meeting Friday 
morning — I think it was the twenty-fifth of August — in 1899, that Presi- 
dent McKinley would be in Ocean Grove and at the Auditorium in the 
afternoon, a flutter of unusual excitement ran through the place. It was 
many years since a President of the United States had stood upon this 
platform. In days gone by President Grant had been a frequent visitor 
to the grounds, and it was, in fact, in the Auditorium that he joined for the 
last time in worship with a public congregation. But Hayes had never 
been here. Garfield, after his inauguration, had merely received and re- 
sponded to a greeting in passing through. And now McKinley was coming ! 

Naturally, everyone wished to see and hear the President. Those who 
were present in the morning service, at which Dr. Luther B. Wilson, now 
Bishop Wilson, preached his moving and inspiring sermon on "The Pre- 
vailing Power of Humble Prayer," hastened home or to their boarding 
places to carry the news and return as speedily as possible. Housewives 
contrived easily-prepared and quickly dispatched dinners, and many a meal 
was consumed with little regard to the leisurely processes of digestion — 
or even left half eaten — in order that the diner might not lose a chance of a 
good seat. Even little children shared in the excitement and flocked to the 
Auditorium. Long before the doors were opened such a crowd had gath- 
ered on the outside of the building that the entrance, when afforded, seemed 
like a kind of orderly stampede. In a very few minutes every seat in the 
immense space was occupied and throngs were still trying to gain admit- 
tance or to find eligible standingplaces near the numerous doors. 

The circumstances of President McKinley's visit were different from 
those that had attended the coming of any other dignitary. Efforts had 
been made to secure his attendance, with an address, at the Summer School 
of Theology or on some other occasion ; but the cares and responsibility of 
state, along with the illness of his delicate and beloved wife, had prevented 
the carrying out of any of the successive plans made for this. Now that he 
was at last free to make the promised visit, the President came, not as a 
lecturer or high official, but as a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 




& 



H 

y 

9 & 

£ ^ 

< < 

5z w 



< < 

9 3 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 213 

to the great Methodist Camp Meeting. There was therefore no elaboration 
of ceremony in his reception, sincere and hearty as was his welcome. 

Nevertheless, it was necessary and fitting that the nation's Chief Execu- 
tive should receive suitable recognition ; and after a prayer by Dr. Lanahan, 
of Baltimore, and the customary Scripture reading by Dr. Thomas, of 
Philadelphia, Bishop James N. FitzGerald, president of the Camp Meet- 
ing Association, greeted the President of the United States, in the following 
well-chosen words, of which, happily, a verbatim report has been preserved : 

It is my privilege and honor in behalf of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting 
Association of the Methodist Church, and also in behalf of the thousands that are 
gathered in this city by the sea, to welcome to these grounds and to this Auditorium, 
his excellency, William McKinley, the President of the United States of America. 
And so, Mr. President, I give you greeting, cordial and heartfelt, in the name 
of the Association and in the name of the multitude here assembled, the church 
which we represent and of which we form a part, which has at all times, and in 
many ways, shown its loyalty to the government of which you are the distinguished 
head. We march under the flag that floats now directly above us, "The Star- 
Spangled Banner," and we also march under the banner of the cross. Between 
these two banners there is no conflict. They float harmoniously together, wherever 
the hosts of Methodists move. Both of them stand for righteousness, justice, 
humanity, and freedom. We regard the defense of the one the same as the 
defense of the other, and we consider the advancement of the one to be the 
advancement of the other. We call upon our children to enlist under the banner 
of the cross, and prove themselves to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ, and we also 
teach our boys, as you, Mr. President, and the Nation have well learned, to respond 
very promptly whenever a call comes from you to bear the starry banner to any 
part of our own land, or to any part of the world. To-day, on the other side of the 
globe, our sons and brothers stand for this flag, which is an emblem of liberty, and 
we who are here seek to lift higher and still higher that banner which is an emblem 
of "Peace on earth and good will to men." It is a joy to us, Mr. President, to 
know that, while as the chief ruler of our country, you are the chief standard- 
bearer, you also have delight in marching with the forces of the Lord, under the 
banner of the cross; that banner that, we believe, is to achieve victory to the ends 
of the earth and to signalize that "the kingdoms of this world will belong to our 
Lord and to his Christ" ; and so, not only as the Chief Magistrate of our beloved 
land, but as a brother beloved, we welcome you. 

As the President rose to his feet, at the conclusion of the Bishop's 
address of welcome, the vast congregation also rose, according him the 
customary graceful salute of waving white handkerchiefs, and remained 
standing while he advanced to the front of the platform. 

The sight of the ten thousand upturned, waiting faces and of the ten 
thousand handkerchiefs, fluttering friendlywise, appeared to make a deep 
impression upon the President. For a few moments he stood in silence, 
looking out on the remarkable spectacle. Then he spoke, briefly, as follows: 

Ladies and Gentlemen : I have no words with which to express my appreciation 
of your warm and generous welcome. I have come to pay my respects to the Ocean 



214 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 




THEODORE ROOSEVELT 
As he appeared at Ocean Grove, July 7, 1905 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 215 

Grove Association, and to thank it for the magnificent work it has done for us and 
that we want it to do for all people and all lands, which, by the fortune of war, 
have come within our jurisdiction. That flag does not mean one thing in the United 
States and another thing in Puerto Rico and the Philippines. There has been 
doubt expressed in some quarters as to the purpose of the government respecting 
the Philippines. I can see no harm in stating it in this presence — peace first, 
then, with charity for all, to establish a government of law and order, protecting 
life and property, and providing occupation for the well-being of the people, in 
which they will participate under the stars and stripes. Now, I have said more 
than I intended to. I only want to express, in conclusion, the pleasure it has given 
me to look into the faces of this great assembly of Methodists, and to receive your 
most gracious and splendid welcome. 

During the address a few zealous kodakers, who had secured seats in 
the front row of the gallery, took photographs, more or less satisfactory", of 
the congregation and the speaker. At its close, prolonged cheering and a 
second waving of handkerchiefs testified the people's appreciation of Presi- 
dent McKinley's presence and words. And then the honored guest quietly 
withdrew, leaving the incident fixed in the minds of the multitudes present 
as one of the most memorable in a memorable summer and indeed, in its 
Way, in the history of Ocean Grove. 

Roosevelt's Two Visits 

Two notable visits were paid to Ocean Grove by Theodore Roosevelt 
— one as governor of New York, the other as President of the United States. 

It was through the enterprise and earnest personal efforts of Dr. J. E. 
Price, dean of the Summer School of Theology, that the first occasion was 
brought to pass, on August 3, 1899. It was Dean Price's fixed policy to 
bring to Ocean Grove during the ten days' sessions of his school the greatest 
men in their several lines that the country afforded, no matter how great 
the apparent difficulties that might be in the way. In that summer of 1899 
no more conspicuous figure was in the eye of the world than that of the 
gallant colonel of the Rough Riders and the governor of the Empire State. 
It was then an almost unexampled achievement to draw such a man from 
the pressure of official duties to lecture to an Ocean Grove audience. On 
the other hand, no wider opportunity for influencing a representative 
American multitude could have been secured than was afforded on the 
Ocean Grove Auditorium platform on that August evening, and this per- 
haps Roosevelt of all men would not be slow to realize. 

The subject of the lecture was "Practical Politics and Decent Politics." 
To good citizens and thoughtful men and women none could have been 
of more vital interest. The speaker, besides, was in the flush of honorable 
fame, already held high in the esteem of the nation which was to place him 
in a few years in the loftiest position in its gift. It was no wonder, then,. 



2 i6 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

that not only the people of Ocean Grove but hundreds from adjacent and 
surrounding towns thronged the Auditorium on the evening set for his 
address. Every available inch of space was filled, many standing close to 
the doors on the outside, to hear — as a contemporary report expressed it — 
"the question of pure politics discussed by a man whose conduct in civil 
life had its reputation for purity and in the recent war as one of its most 
gallant heroes." 

The lecture, possessing no party bearing, was universally conceded to 
be one of the best and most inspiring ever delivered on such a subject in 
Ocean Grove. Some even went so far as to pronounce it the very best. 
The political economy of our relation to the Philippines, with its purpose 
of elevating their civilization, was skillfully handled. The most thoughtful 
care and the courage of absolute honesty were strongly urged. Equally 
strong was the wholesome advice that the people of the country refrain from 
the wholesale and often unthinking abuse of men holding the dignity of 
office which has been so prevalent. At the same time the speaker pressed 
the holding of every public official to strict accounting for the slightest 
malfeasance in office. He advocated the breaking up of political rings, 
regardless of any temporary party defeat which might be the consequence 
of so doing, and maintained that in politics, as in business, conscience and 
religion should have a dominating influence. Incidentally a tribute was 
paid to early Methodism, as a body which had always taken the initiative 
in the purification of politics. 

The occasion of Roosevelt's second visit was in connection with the 
Convention of the National Educational Association in 1905. 

In every public position which he had held Theodore Roosevelt had 
been the friend of education and of educators. Nothing could therefore have 
been more fitting than that as President of the United States he should be 
invited to meet this body and deliver the closing address of the convention. 
And no act could have been more gracious than his acceptance of the invi- 
tation. The welcome to Colonel Roosevelt on his former visit had been 
enthusiastic. The reception given the President at this time exceeded 
anything of the kind ever seen on these grounds. 

Roosevelt arrived in Ocean Grove from Oyster Bay, New York, at 
2 P. M. on that day, July 7, accompanied by his. private secretary, William 
Loeb, Jr., and a small party of friends. At the station he was met by a 
receiving committee made up of distinguished educators, Edward Caspar 
Stokes, governor of New Jersey; Bishop J. N. FitzGerald. and the Rev. 
A. E. Ballard, president and vice-president of the Ocean Grove Association; 
James L. Hays, president of the State Board of Education; and a large 
number of distinguished State representatives and United States senators, 
as well as local dignitaries. An escort of honor was furnished by the Third 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



217 



Regiment New Jersey infantry from the State Camp at Sea Girt and the 
Second Troop of Cavalry of Red Bank, with their military bands. 





■ jferl 


L/" 


1 n 






;.4-:t^Iv 


M 


HL 


;|- 






J* 


: wk 


^^a 




'"-II 








■Ljr, 4&i 






jfflf ijFjR x 


■t ':''-?- 


MM 




. ■• 






1^ 




; 

" — ■ 




.1 


. % ? 


' " ' ^' • ! • v 


5*r 


* 1 




1 f^r 
3 




fi f 


■ w 




mm 








Half past two was the hour appointed for the exercises in the Audi- 
torium to begin. But long before that time the vast building was filled to 
its utmost capacity and surrounded on the outside by a dense throng. With 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 







r = £ 

a: « F 

C -| 

X n •— 

< x £- 

w re £ 

& ^ "2 

o = = 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 219 

twelve thousand teachers in attendance upon the Convention and under- 
stood to have the preference in admission to the Auditorium, and with still 
more thousands of enthusiastic citizens eager to see and hear the Presi- 
dent, it may be imagined, by those who do not know, what the press was 
like. 

As the Presidential party entered the Auditorium at the rear of the 
platform a mighty cheer arose and the air blossomed with the waving of 
white handkerchiefs in a hearty greeting and salute. Prayer was offered 
by the Hon. Nathan C. Schaeffer, Pennsylvania State superintendent of 
public schools, after which Dr. William H. Maxwell, president of the Con- 
vention, introduced President Roosevelt to the audience with the simple but 
most impressive words: "Members of the National Educational Association, 
the President of the United States." 

In an instant the vast concourse was on its feet as one body, and a 
second and long-continued welcome was accorded the national hero. 

Roosevelt's address, which followed, was full of eloquence and inspira- 
tion to the teachers. It was acknowledged by a vote of thanks moved by 
John R. Kirk, president of the Missouri State Normal School, and seconded 
by Miss Katherine D. Blake, of New York, who evoked a round of cor- 
roborative applause by her characterization of the President as "the best- 
loved man in all the whole round world." The unanimous rising vote was 
given amid prolonged cheering and waving salutes. 

At the end Tali Esen Morgan's trained Festival Chorus sang the 
"Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah, supported by the Ocean 
Grove Festival Orchestra; and then the Presidential party withdrew, being 
escorted back to the station by the infantry and cavalry, friends in car- 
riages, the inspiring bands, and an immense throng of folk on foot eager to 
do honor to the greatest man in America. 

Fourteen years have gone by since that day, and many things then 
unforeseen have come to pass. But all who remember that occasion must 
agree that a greater occasion than "Roosevelt Day" has never been seen in 
Ocean Grove in all its history. 

Ocean Grove, the Forum of Mr. Taft's Arbitration 

Pronouncements 

It was on the evening of August 15, 191 1, that President Taft made 
his memorable visit to Ocean Grove, where, before the assembled thou- 
sands and to the world at large he made the first pronouncement of his pro- 
posed arbitration treaties. Reporters from all the great papers were 
present, and telegraph instruments had been placed in the Auditorium office 
for the quick dissemination of his speech. Unfortunately, the weather was 
not favorable. It had been a warm, humid day. And it rained ! 



220 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

The arrangements for the visit had been approved by Major Archibald 
Butt, the President's military aide — who later lost his life with the sinking 
of the Titanic — whose duty it was to approve all schedules for Presidential 
visits, so that it would be known in advance how long each part of the 
program would take. Everything was in readiness for the arrival of the 
President of the United States. All hoped the rain would cease, but as the 
time passed the downpour increased. This was discouraging, but with 
characteristic cheerfulness the people of Ocean Grove accepted the situa- 
tion philosophically, still looking forward with pleasant anticipation to 
greeting the President. 

Owing to the storm and consequent wet and muddy roads, Mr. Taft, 
who traveled by automobile, was greatly delayed in arriving at Ocean 
Grove. He had accepted an invitation to dine with a friend whose summer 
home was a few miles distant, and upon his arrival at the Grove was to 
be tendered a short reception at the home of the late A. H. DeHaven on 
Ocean Pathway. While Mr. Taft was behind the schedule long before he 
arrived at the Ocean Grove gates, Major Butt subsequently said that the 
schedule arranged for Ocean Grove, and for which the Association was 
responsible, had been carried out perfectly. Time lost could not be made 
up; but after the President passed the portals of Ocean Grove everything 
went like clockwork, and Ocean Grove kept up to the schedule. 

And how about the people who were waiting to greet another Presi- 
dent of the United States upon his first visit to Ocean Grove? What did 
they do? They could not welcome him as he passed through the streets, 
because of the rain; therefore, partly for the sake of shelter and partly to 
be sure of comfortable seats from which to listen to the President's speech, 
they flocked to the Auditorium. Shortly after five o'clock — and the Presi- 
dent was not due to arrive until 8:15 — the building was thronged to its 
capacity. Professor Tali Esen Morgan, the versatile musical director of 
Ocean Grove, quickly grasped the situation and decided to lead the vast 
audience in its own entertainment while waiting. Sending for the organ- 
ist, Mr. Clarence Reynolds, who quickly responded, he invited the people to 
sing. From hymns to patriotic songs and from patriotic songs back again 
to hymns the people sang, accompanied by the great organ ; and during 
breathing spells the hymns and songs were interspersed with patriotic selec- 
tions upon the organ. Thus the time passed and the people were scarcely 
sensible of what would otherwise have been tedious hours of waiting. 

It was nearly nine o'clock before Mr. Taft and his party reached the 
Auditorium. The rain was still descending in torrents, flooding the streets; 
and it was a weird scene as the flaring electric lights cast shadows among 
the trees and gave glimpses of hundreds of people clustered under dripping 
umbrellas at the doorways of the Auditorium. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



22] 




HON. JOHN E. 
ANDRUS 

Treasurer of the 
Ocean Grove Asso- 
ciation, who wel- 
comed President 
Taft. 



The Presidential party was preceded to the platform by Major Butt, 
who, in full uniform, stepped rapidly and with a martial tread as he passed 
from the side entrance around the edge of the plat- 
form to the center, where seats had been reserved for 
Mr. Taft and his party. Then came the President, 
followed by the Rev. A. E. Ballard, D.D., the vener- 
able president of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting 
Association, and the Hon. Woodrow Wilson, then 
governor of New Jersey. Following these came the 
rest of the party, including four stalwart secret service 
men, who took seats on the platform near the Presi- 
dent. The people rose en masse to greet the Presi- 
dent, while the organ pealed out its welcome in patri- 
otic music. 

After an appropriate prayer by the Rev. A. J. 
Palmer, D.D., a member of the Ocean Grove Asso- 
ciation, the Hon. John E. Andrus, treasurer of the 
Association, who presided, and who at that time was 
also a member of Congress, introduced the President 
in a short and happy speech, concluding by saying : 

The Ocean Grove Association tenders a hearty welcome to the President, the 
governor, the invited guests assembled upon this platform, and to this magnificent 
audience this evening, and we trust the exercises of the hour will long be 
remembered and make a great event in the life of Ocean Grove. 

The President, when the enthusiastic cheering permitted, proceeded, in 
a voice clearly heard by the ten thousand people crowded within the Audi- 
torium and the outside attendance of nearly two thousand more, saying: 

Mr. Chairman, Governor Wilson, ladies and gentlemen: 

I am convinced from the description which your chairman gives of Ocean 
Grove, that it is a good place for a Washington man to come to, and I wish to-night, 
before this magnificent audience, I had the ability of speaking in such a way as 
to entertain you and make the effort you have made in coming here worth while. 
But we so-called statesmen in Washington have a good deal to do, and when we 
say anything we want to get it in such a form that it shall not be either misleading 
or furnish an opportunity to mislead. Therefore, I am going to ask you to give 
me the privilege of reading what I have to say to-night. 

The imposing presence of President Taft fitted well with the Auditor- 
ium and with the great subject of arbitration instead of war as the last 
resort of dispute among the nations. While he announced that he did not 
expect its immediate ratification, yet the stand taken by the American peo- 
ple was such that it was among the almost certainties of the future that it 
would prevail among the nations, and the horrors and devastations of war 



222 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

come to an end. He admitted that there were difficulties barring the path, 
but no difficulty that stood in the way of judgment of the American people 











I 


1 


-JI 






;:■ 














■ 









WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 

President of the United States, who made his first arbitration 

pronouncements in the Ocean Grove Auditorium 

was insuperable, for they would not act without reason and would insist 
upon that reason being carried out until the result was accomplished. He 
said in part : 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 223 

If I am wrong in my judgment — and I do not claim infallibility — and know 
that the enthusiasm of the cause may sometimes warp judgment, I am quite willing 
to abide the ultimate judgment of the people; but I deem it my duty, until I shall 
receive an adverse decision, to urge my views upon the Senate and to invoke 
the attention of the people to these questions and such expressions of opinion from 
them as shall influence a ratification of the treaties as they were signed. 

If we are afraid to submit to an impartial tribunal, lest we may lose our 
case, then we would better go back to war as the only means of settling international 
controversies when negotiation fails. When we enter into an arbitration, or an 
agreement to submit our differences to an impartial tribunal, we must play the 
game. 

It is generally quite impossible for a court to decide a case so that both sides 
shall like the decision, and a court to decide between nations cannot find it any 
more easy to do this than a domestic court does. 

We cannot make omelets without breaking eggs; we cannot submit international 
questions to arbitration without the prospect of losing, and if arbitration is to be 
effective and is to cover the ground that shall really promote the cause of peace 
and prevent war, it must cover questions of the utmost interest to both countries; 
and therefore the loss of one country in the contest must be, of course, a serious 
matter to that country, and when it comes into an agreement for arbitration it must 
be willing to face the disappointment that comes from a serious loss thus imposed 
by an arbitral decision. 

If the subject of arbitration is merely for discussion in peace societies and is 
only for the purpose of furnishing a text for an address — like I am delivering to 
you — and if the result is not to mean real victory for one party and real defeat 
for the other, certainly the time of diplomatic officers, who have many other things 
to do, ought not to be wasted on it. 

I am very serious in my advocacy of arbitration as a means of settling inter- 
national disputes, and I believe that you are. I am willing to abide an adverse 
decision in a court of arbitration for my own country even though it may impose 
a serious loss upon her, if the system of arbitration is to be made permanent and 
the court is of such a character that when I have a just cause I can count on receiv- 
ing a just judgment. 

A secular paper said of the occasion : 

Only in the Auditorium at Ocean Grove could such a scene be witnessed as 
graced the visit of President Taft. Ten thousand persons sat in- the building, a 
panorama of faces representing the best people of the nation, stretching from 
rostrum to gallery, with row on row from apex to poor. As President Taft came 
on the platform there was a series of cheers, while thousands of handkerchiefs gave 
a white salute to the good Executive who had come to speak of peace — peace by 
arbitration of the nations: not that peace which comes from sanguinary fields with 
bloody corpses strewn. The President is a noble specimen of physical manhood. 
He looks like a President — he is a President in spirit and truth. His good face 
shone with a smile that would not come off as he earnestly urged his views as to 
universal peace, and that the hour might speedily arrive when nations should 
learn war no more. 

Just prior to the introduction of the eminent statesman the splendid audience 
arose and sang Julia Ward Howe's "Battle Hymn of the Republic." In the midst 
of the stanza, "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord," four 



224 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

beautiful young ladies appeared in the loft near the grand organ, with long 
trumpets in their hands. , They were clothed in dresses of the national colors — 
waists of stars on the /lag in the field of blue; skirts of alternate red and white 
stripes. As they lifted the horns to their lips and the music therefrom joined with 
the organ and the voice of the many thousands, we fell somewhat as John must 
have felt on the Isle of Patrnos in his view of the ecclesiastical choir in the new 
Jerusalem. It carried us beyond our surroundings; beyond the temporalities of the 
hour; beyond humanity, as it were, to the purer and better atmosphere of a more 
delightful country, whose ruler is Jehovah, King of kings, Lord of lords. Such 
was the inspiration given us at Ocean Grove! It was incomparable to any scene 
we have ever looked on, and we have been present at many great national gather- 
ings of the people. No one in attendance last night will ever lose the vision as long 
as life shall last and the eye reflect. 

Following his visit to Ocean Grove, President Taft, in a letter to Mr. 
Andrus, wrote as follows: 

The White House, Washington, August 16, 1911. 
My Dear Mr. Andrus: 

Before beginning the duties of the day I wish to tell you how thoroughly we 
enjoyed last evening at Ocean Grove. It was a memorable occasion. You and 
your associates are to be commended for the service you have rendered to good 
citizenship in establishing a community of that character. 

I thank you for giving me the opportunity to visit you there. 
Sincerely yours, 

(Signed) Wm. H. Taft. 

Wilson, Our Neighbor 

Long before he became President of the United States, Wood row 
Wilson was a neighbor of Ocean Grove. First as president of the State 
university at Princeton, afterward as governor of New Jersey, with head- 
quarters in Trenton and at the summer military camp at Sea Girt, he was 
already more or less a familiar figure to thousands of residents and visitors 
in this resort. It was as governor that he made his first visit — the first, at 
least, of which the present writer has any knowledge — to the place. 

For many years it has been an established custom at Ocean Grove to 
invite each newly elected governor of the State of New Jersey — within 
whose bounds Ocean Grove is located and by whose charter it was estab- 
lished — to be present and deliver the annual patriotic oration on the Inde- 
pendence Day next following his accession to office. The invitation is 
clearly understood to be entirely nonpartisan, the celebration never being 
permitted to take in any sense the form of a political demonstration. In- 
deed, it has always been of a strictly national character, all party politics 
being rigorously excluded. 

Upon his election as governor, accordingly, Woodrow Wilson received 
the customary invitation of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, 
extended through a committee of which former Governor Edward Caspar 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



22^ 



Stokes was chairman. This he graciously accepted, and so it came to pass 
that on the Fourth of July, 191 1, the man who is now the Chief Executive 
of the American Republic was the orator of the day. 




WOODROW WILSON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 
I9I3-I920 



The Auditorium had been beautifully decorated with the national 
colors. The great organ and the Aida Trumpet Quartette filled its vast 



226 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

spaces with inspiring music. The "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was sung 
with unusual effect by Donald Chalmers. Governor Wilson, attended by 
his staff, entered the place amid thousands of waving salutes and wel- 
coming cheers. 

There is an unwritten law that all functions in the Auditorium shall 
be presided over by a member of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Asso- 
ciation. On this occasion the Hon. John E. Andrus, treasurer of the Asso- 
ciation, presided and introduced the governor with a few well-chosen words 
of greeting. Upon the platform were gathered the trustees of the Camp 
Meeting Association, members of the State Legislature, and prominent 
officials of some of the nearby towns. 

Governor Wilson's address dwelt upon themes involving the vital 
welfare of the nation, and was listened to with rapt attention by an audi- 
ence of nearly seven thousand for an hour. It was said at the time that 
"the address was delivered with a graceful dignity, always characteristic of 
Governor Wilson's appearance, and left an impression that the high office 
to which the people had lifted him would never lose its dignity while to him 
was intrusted the chief magistracy of New Jersey." 

The next visit of Woodrow Wilson to the Auditorium occurred on 
the evening of August 15, 191 1, when President Taft made his memorable 
visit to Ocean Grove and delivered before the vast audience in the Audi- 
torium his first pronouncement of the arbitration treaties advocated by him. 
Mr. Wilson, then governor of New Jersey, was present in his official ca- 
pacity to greet the Chief Magistrate of the nation. 

It was on this occasion that, after the Presidential party, which in- 
cluded Governor Wilson, had reached its place upon the platform of the 
Auditorium, the request was made of the President, that he stand while a 
flash-light picture be taken of the assemblage. He consented to do so, 
saying, as he graciously turned to the governor, "Providing Governor Wil- 
son will stand beside me." Thus it happened that President Taft and 
his successor in the presidential office were photographed while stand- 
ing together on the platform of the great Auditorium at Ocean Grove. Dr. 
Ballard, the venerable president of the Association, completed the group. 

Still again during that season of 191 1 was the governor and future 
President seen in Ocean Grove, the third visit taking place on the evening of 
September 5, when William Jennings Bryan delivered his famous lecture 
on "The Prince of Peace." On this occasion, however, Woodrow Wilson 
occupied a seat on the platform, listening with close attention to the address, 
but modestly and persistently declined all attempted demonstrations in his 
honor. 

The announcement was received with pleasure in 1916 that Shadow 
Lawn, only a short distance from Ocean Grove, would be the summer 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 227 

residence of President Wilson. Long Branch, on the New Jersey coast, 
had been the choice of President Grant for his summer residence, and Presi- 
dent Garfield had spent the last days of his life by the edge of the sea at 
Elberon. Hence there were thrills of pleasant anticipation when the news 
was received that the "Summer White House" would again be established 
on the Jersey coast and very close to Ocean Grove. No one could foresee 
that the responsibilities imposed upon the President because of the European 
war and the threatened hostilities with Mexico would prevent his early 
occupancy at Shadow Lawn. 

At the beginning of the season it was also confidently expected that 
President Wilson would be present at the song recital of his daughter, Miss 
Margaret, in the Auditorium on the evening of July 15. He had courte- 
ously accepted the invitation of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Asso- 
ciation, subject to the prior adjournment of Congress ; and, notwithstanding 
the fact that Congress was still in session, word was received from what 
were believed to be reliable sources that the President would attend on that 
occasion. A special box was therefore prepared and reserved for his use. 
This was occupied by members of the presidential family, including Mrs. 
McAdoo (formerly Miss Eleanor Wilson), accompanied by Secretary Mc- 
Adoo, and the mother of Mrs. Wilson. With them were Secretary and 
Mrs. Tumulty. 

In spite of the unavoidable disappointments growing out of the delayed 
adjournment of Congress, the close proximity of Shadow Lawn, affording 
an attractive goal for automobile and even pedestrian excursions from 
Ocean Grove, preserved not a little of the sense of neighborliness. Not a 
few sojourners here, availing themselves of an unusual opportunity, were 
numbered among the throngs who made a special visit to the "Summer 
White House," where they witnessed the President's notification of his 
nomination for a second term and heard his response to the same. 

Bishop William Taylor 

The present Centenary campaign, inaugurated by the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church to mark one hundred years of foreign missionary efforts, leads 
one to recall one of the greatest of all missionaries — William Taylor, 
bishop of Africa. Although years have passed since Bishop Taylor preached 
in the Auditorium, the memory of those occasions is still fresh in the minds 
of those who were present. 

Bishop Taylor was a man of large physique ; hale and hearty, and so 
devoted to his calling that he became part and parcel of it to the extent 
that one was unable to separate the man from the bishop's office. 

The sermon of the opening of the fifteenth Camp Meeting at Ocean 
Grove in 1884 was preached by Bishop Taylor from Acts 9. 10, 11: 



228 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



"And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to 
him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, 1 am here, 
Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is 




BISHOP WILLIAM TAYLOR 



called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of 
Tarsus; for, behold, he prayeth." 

It is said that "his great stalwart form, his fearless independence, his 
profound consciousness of right, his utterances of truth, secured for him 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 229 

ready access to the hearts of all, and his blows fell like the blows of a Her- 
cules." 

Proceeding from Ocean Grove to the International Camp Meeting 
then being held at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Bishop Taylor joined in a mes- 
sage from there August 29, 1884, timed to reach Ocean Grove when it 
would be in the midst of the closing exercises of Camp Meeting, which 
read : 

"International Camp Meeting, Niagara Falls, to Ocean Grove Camp 
Meeting. Greeting: Grace, Mercy, and Peace unto you all, Amen. Sal- 
vation fires burning brightly in sight of the great cataract. Hallelujah!" 

And immediately the wires flashed back the following characteristic 
reply from Ocean Grove : 

"Ocean Grove greets you. May you prosper. Over four hundred 
souls converted here, and five thousand wonderfully blest. 'Cry out and 
shout, thou inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel, in the 
midst of thee.' " 

On another occasion, Sunday evening, August 19, 1888, Bishop Taylor 
was the preacher during the anniversary of the Woman's Foreign Mis- 
sionary Society and the record says that "Bishop William Taylor, of 
Africa, preached at night to an immense congregation, from Rom. 2. 
14, 15: "For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature 
the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto 
themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their 
conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accus- 
ing or else excusing one another." 

For a full hour his wonderful eloquence swept like a tempest over this 
sea of humanity, and when about to close, the people cried, "Go on," and it 
was nearly ten o'clock when the service ended. 

Bishop Taylor conducted his missionary enterprises through what was 
known as "The Bishop William Taylor Building and Transit Fund." 
While at Ocean Grove he did not ask or receive during his several addresses 
any public collection, yet on this occasion the friends of his Transit Fund 
were so anxious to give him aid that one gentleman — the late Richard 
Grant — offered to give a dollar for every dollar contributed by others. By 
this means the sum of $2,500 was quietly raised. When this had been ac- 
complished, another supporter of Bishop Taylor — Dr. Welch, of Vineland, 
New Jersey — generously added $2,500 more, making a sum total of $5,000 
for Bishop Taylor's missionary enterprises. The collections during this 
anniversary of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society amounted to 
$ I >55 I -59> or a totai aggregate of $6,551.59. 

No wonder that these days have been referred to as "marvelous days of 
privilege and power for foreign missions" at Ocean Grove! 



2 jo THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

An Ocean Grove Shrine 

Writing of Thornley Chapel, Benjamin F. Edsall said: 

"She [Cleopatre] . . . 
Made hir subtil werkmen make a shryne 
Of alle the rubies and the stones fyne 
In al Egipte that she koude espye ; and forth she fette 
This dede cors, and in the shryne it shette." 

So Chaucer wrote; and so we early gathered the idea that a shrine is 
a precious box holding some sacred relic. But, metaphorically, a shrine is 
a thing or place hallowed and consecrated by its history or past associations. 

There are many such in America. A notable one is the Haystack 
monument at Williamstown, hallowed because on this spot, in 1 807, Samuel 
J. Mills, a member of Williams College, with Gordon Hall and James 
Richards, in a meadow behind a haystack, spent all day in fasting, prayer, 
and conversation on the duty of missions to the heathen, the outcome of 
which day of prayer and conversation was the institution of the American 
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the earliest of the great mis- 
sionary associations of our country. 

Ocean Grove is also a place for pilgrimage. To visit is to visit a 
shrine, a place hallowed and consecrated by its history and past associations. 
This is true in a large sense; it is true also in a particular sense. Here 
is many a spot, the scene, like the haystack at Williamstown, of a day of 
prayer and conversation, the outcome of which was large things for the 
uplifting and blessing of mankind throughout the world. 

In this day when the United States is being stirred by the meetings of 
the National Campaign of the Laymen's Missionary Movement, it is of 
interest to call attention to one of such special shrines. 

Thornley Chapel is a place for pilgrimage, a shrine. Not much more 
than a box — but not covered without with precious metal nor made with 
"rubies" and "stones fyne" — it has held within from time to time many 
precious things. 

Here on Thursday, August 27, 1908, in a day given to prayer and 
conversation "on the duty of missions to the heathen, a child of Providence, 
of divine indication, was born the Laymen's Missionary Movement of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. With others present on this day were three 
notable men. As at the Haystack in 1907 were Mills, Hall, and Richards, 
so at Thornley Chapel in 1908 were J. T. Stone, S. Earl Taylor, Homer 
Stuntz; and the good work begun in America by the three first named was, 
one hundred years later, given a new and great impetus by the latter three. 
As a result, the missionary work has progressed as never before under the 
inspiration of the National Laymen's Missionary Movement, of which the 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

r 



23; 







232 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

Laymen's Missionary Movement of the Methodist Episcopal Church is a 
part. 

When next you visit Ocean Grove pause a moment at Thornley 
Chapel, a missionary shrine, and send up to heaven a prayer for the blessing 
of Almighty God on the many heroes and and heroines engaged in for- 
warding the missionary work and in carrying out the Christ's command, 
"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel" ; and remember that our 
Lord made no special places for winning the world, but that Christ and the 
missionaries, his ambassadors, are just "counting on you" to do your part. 

College Association of Ocean Grove 

The design of College Day, which falls on the last Saturday in July, 
is primarily to awaken interest in higher education among the young people 
who gather here by the seashore every summer ; also to foster and strengthen 
the spirit of college fraternity; to renew friendships made in the days gone 
by, and chiefly to lead all college people, young and old, to higher concep- 
tions of Christian truth and moral ethics in a summer resort where holiness 
to the Lord is the common motto. 

College Day is not intended exclusively for graduates and matriculated 
students of colleges and universities. All educational institutions, from the 
public town high school to the greatest university of the world ; all mission- 
ary training schools, the theological seminaries, medical colleges, law schools, 
normal schools, business colleges and schools of elocution and oratory are 
all equally interested and welcomed to Ocean Grove to attend this great 
reunion and participate in the responses, songs, yells, stunts, etc., under 
the colors and pennants of their respective institutions. 

On the preceding Friday evening, a public reception is held, when 
many graduates and students of colleges and universities and their friends 
are cordially welcomed and entertained by a committee of ladies and gentle- 
men. 

PATRIOTIC OCCASIONS 
From Ocean Grove to the French Front 

He was just one of thousands such, the little boy in the picture — one 
of the many thousands of children who year after year have come and gone, 
playing in the sunshine and the sand on Ocean Grove beach. And to-day 
he is one of as many thousands of gallant American lads — hundreds of them, 
no doubt, the same merry youngsters who played here on the beach — who 
are "somewhere in France," bearing arms against tyranny and oppression, 
upholding the gracious, pure ideals of liberty and humanity for which our 
nation and Ocean Grove in its own good measure stand. 

It was not strange that this little lad should play at soldiering, imagina- 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 233 

tion turning for him the stick of driftwood picked up on the sand into a gun 
which he shouldered proudly as he listened with the inner sense so keen in 
children to strains of martial music and the tread of marching feet. For he 
came of soldier stock. More than a hundred and fifty years before the 
Revolution a branch of his family tree had been planted in American soil, 
and from the very earliest times his forefathers had played their part in 
their country's struggles. Through the Colonial Wars, the Revolution, the 
War of 1 8 12, the Civil War, all the way down to the present time, his 
ancestors on both sides have been marching out to military service whenever 
they were needed. Some of them were captains. One, in the Revolution, 
was a brigadier-general under Washington. Others, and no less gallant 
gentlemen, went forth as private soldiers with the same loyalty and exalted 
purpose. No wonder, indeed, that he built forts in the sand and shouldered 
driftwood guns, and that in his childish eyes were vague, alluring dreams of 
warfare and heroic deeds. It was "in the blood," a strain kept pure through 
many generations. 

How many years have passed since the picture was "snapped"? Fif- 
teen? Sixteen? Less than twenty at the most. Very few, indeed, they 
seem to those who love the lad. But with their passing he has grown 
through youth to manhood. The world — our world — was at peace. Life 
was very full of interests. With so much else to think about, study, work, 
a man's aims and ambitions, the soldier play and dreams were long ago 
forgotten. 

But the spirit of the race was in his soul, the blood of his ancestors in 
his veins. 

When the war-cloud seemed to be gathering on the southern horizon 
and our troops began to mobilize, he felt the stir and heard the call. For 
several years, with an inborn love of the land, he had been managing his 
father's country estate. But there was something deep within him that 
would not be silenced or repressed. So down to Ocean Grove he sped, to 
beg the consent of his parents, who were spending a few weeks here, to 
his enlisting for service on the border. 

Every father and mother of such a lad knows whether or not it was 
easy to give approval and consent. He was the only child left to them. In 
him were centered all their hopes and aspirations. And he was a loyal son. 
Without their consent he would not go, deep as was the longing in his heart. 
"If you say I ought, I'll go back to the farm. But" — he added, with an 
intensity the greater for its very repression — "I shall feel a coward all my 
life, and none of my ancestors were that!" 

After all, it was through their veins that the blood of the old fighting 
men had flowed into his. Only one answer was possible. That same day 
the lad made his way to the state camp at Sea Girt, offered himself, was 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 




THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 235 

accepted, and the next day entrained for the Mexican border, a member of 
the famous Essex Troop of New Jersey, known as "the Governor's Own." 

Some of those who will read this know what the succeeding months of 
service on the border meant. Not many illusions as to the romance of 
military life were left when they ended. Hard work, hard fare, trying 
climatic conditions, the dullness of camp life, without the splendid excite- 
ment, if also without the dangers, of actual warfare — these were the tests 
that had to be met. 

But the stuff was in our lad. After being mustered out and having 
devoted a few months conscientiously to business, the soldier in him again 
began to assert itself. He sought and obtained admission to one of the 
officers' training camps and entered upon a rigorous course of preparation 
for service in the time of need now all too clearly seen to be swiftly 
approaching. 

Of course he made good. No work was too hard, no discipline too 
severe. And the end was an honorable commission as second lieutenant of 
cavalry in the Regular Army of the United States. 

What next? A few months in a southern camp, then the call to 
service "over there." For in the meantime war with Germany had been 
declared and our boys were being pressed toward the front as rapidly as 
they could be gotten ready. 

Then this boy, the little Ocean Grove boy with the driftwood gun in 
the picture, sailed away with his command to "do his bit" in France, 
wholeheartedly ready to face whatever lay before him. 

Letters came. One was from an unnamed port. Another, posted in 
England, told of terrific storms encountered at sea and of dangers in the 
ocean war zone safely passed. The rest are from France. 

You know the kind of letters. They come to your home too, or to your 
neighbor's. Breathing love and loyalty in every line, uncomplaining of any 
hardship or discomfort, making jests of twenty-seven days of rain in one 
month and mud knee-deep, "compared with which our camp at Sea Girt 
last summer was dust," confident but not boasting, full of esprit du corps 
and manly faith — surely never in the world's history did the mails carry 
such a freight of precious missives. 

Ah ! our brave, brave boys at the front and elsewhere ! Not for gain 
of territory or of booty did they go to fight. Not actuated by any sordid 
desires or moved by any unworthy motives of hatred or vindictiveness did 
they offer their powers and their very lives, but inspired to carry the noblest 
ideals of liberty, of human brotherhood and righteous government where 
these have been suppressed and nearly throttled by a mad greed and lust of 
power. It is for the true freedom and lasting peace of the world that they 
and their comrades are fighting. 



236 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

Ocean Grove's "Rough Riders" In the War 

"Where did you receive your military training?" asked the com- 
manding officer. 

"I was a member of Mr. Morgan's Rough Rider military companies 
at Ocean Grove every summer since I was eight years old," replied the 
soldier boy. 

He was a top sergeant at Camp Wadsworth, Spartanburg, South 
Carolina. Probably scores — maybe hundreds — of the boys who have been 
trained in the military companies are now in the service of Uncle Sam. 

When Tali Esen Morgan first gathered together his Ocean Grove 
Children's Chorus, over a thousand names were enrolled. Among the 
number were about three hundred boys. It was soon discovered that to 
keep these boys in order during the rehearsals was a matter of impossibility. 
Four policemen were stationed at different parts of the Young People's 
Temple, but this had no effect on the boys. 

Mr. Morgan very soon solved the problem. He asked permission of 
the Ocean Grove committee to have the boys uniformed in khaki suits, 
divided into Troops A, B, and C, and placed under experienced drill- 
masters. The plan was a great success. No more use for the "cops," and 
the best of order was maintained throughout the years that Mr. Morgan 
had charge. Little did anyone dream that this training would prepare the 
boys for this great world's war. It is very certain that few, if any, of these 
boys were rejected as being unfit for the service, for not only were they 
trained in military affairs, but they were surrounded by the moral at- 
mosphere and religious character of Ocean Grove. 

The Children's Chorus at Ocean Grove, under the direction and man- 
agement of Tali Esen Morgan, became a national institution. It brought 
many families to these shores who would not otherwise come. The Ocean 
Grove Children's Festivals were not equaled anywhere and were always 
attended by a crowded auditorium. The boys and girls of twenty, fifteen, 
and ten years ago are now men and women, and it is certain that they have 
not forgotten the religious and musical training they secured at Ocean 
Grove. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



237 



The 



Give us men ! 
Men — from every rank, 
Fresh and free and frank: 
Men of thought and reading, 
Men of light and leading, 
Men of royal breeding, 
The nation's welfare speeding: 
Men of faith and not of faction, 
Men of lofty aim in action: 
Give us men — I say again. 
Give us men ! 
Give us men ! 



Honor Roll 

Strong and stalwart ones: 

Men whom highest hope inspires, 

Men whom purest honor fires, 

Men who trample self beneath them, 

Men who make their country wreathe them 

As her noble sons, 

Worthy of their sires: 

Men who never shame their mothers, 

Men who never fail their brothers, 

True, however false are others: 

Give us men — I say again. 

Give us men ! 

Give us men ! 



Men who, when the tempest gathers, 

Grasp the standard of their fathers 

In the thickest of the fight: 

Men who strike for home and altar: 

(Let the coward cringe and falter) 

God defend the right! 

True as truth though lorn and lonely, 

Tender, as the brave are only: 

Men who tread where saints have trod 

Men for country — home — and God: 

Give us men ! I say again — again — 

Give us such men ! 



WILLIAM H. ALSTON 
THOMAS ANGLES 
THEODORE F. APPLEBY 
GEORGE H. ASAY, JR. 
HAROLD ATKINS 
WALTER S. AUTEN 

WALTER BAM MAN 
GEORGE BARLOW 
THOMAS BARNES 
EDGAR F. BAUMGARTNER 
HERBERT BECK 
RUSSELL BEDELL 
RAFFAELE BERARDI 
WILLIAM BERGFELS 
ALVIN BILLS 
NORMAN BLOODGOOD 
WALTER BLOWERS 
HAROLD BORDEN 
CHARLES M. BOSWELL, JR. 
LEONARD L. BROOME 
DONALD A. BROWN 
HORACE BROWN 



HARRY M. BULL 
GEORGE BUTLER 
JOSEPH BUXTON 

CLARENCE CHAMBERLAIN 
JOHN L. CLASS 
JAMES M. COLEMAN 
FREDERICK W. CONOVER 
RAYMOND COOK 
JOSEPH COUSE 
W. PERCY COUSE 
W. S. CUMMINGS 

MORRIS S. DANIELS, JR. 
J. ADOLPHUS DAY 
WILLIAM H. DAYTON 
HENRY B. DORR 
ELMER DUNNING 

WILLIAM ENGLISH 
EARL ERVIEN 

CLIFFORD W. FOGERTY 
HARRY F. FURMAN 



2 3 8 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



RUSSELL GARDNER 
FRANK GASNER 
HILTON S. GILBERT 
WILLIAM GRANT 
CHESTER D. GRAVATT 
SAMUEL V. GUERIN 
EDWARD GUMAR 

DOUGLAS HANDLEY 
EDWARD HANDLEY 
JOHN HANDLEY 
JOSEPH H. HARRIS 
DAVID HARVEY 
RAYMOND HENDRICKSON 
NEIL HEPBURN 
WILLIAM H. HERBERT 
RALPH J. HERSH 
ALFRED M. HICKMAN 
J. GRANT HOLMES 
PAUL H. HOLMES 
EDWARD M. HOPE 
JAMES E. HUGHES 
RUSSELL HULSE 
WILSON B. HUNT 
WILLIAM HUTSON 

ELVIN IMLAY 

RUSSELL JERNEE 
FRANCIS JONES 

HOWARD T. KARSNER 
W. MORTON KELLY 
HAROLD J. KING 
JOHN WESLEY KNOX 

ARTHUR C. LADOW 
HOWARD LANCE 
VINCENT LAYTON 
ROBERT LONG 
LLOYD LUDWIG 

ALFRED SHARP MANLEY 
J. RAYMOND MANLEY 
JOHN C. MAYER 
LAMBERT P. McKEAN 
WILLIAM B. McMICHAEL 
DONALD McMURRAY 
CHARLES L. MEAD 
RAYMOND M1LLEN 
HERBERT A. MILLER 



CHESTER MINER 
C. EDWARD MOORE 
HERBERT MOORE 
HERBERT G. MOORE 
MELVLN MOORE 
PAUL MORGAN 
L. MORTON MORRIS 
DAVID W. MORROW 
FRANK W. MORROW 
G. ROWLAND M UN ROE 

JARVIS EVERETT NEWMAN 
GEORGE W. NOE 

STEPHEN A. PAWLEY 
[OHN McC. PENNELL 
EDWARD D. PERRY 
W. DE WITT POLHEMUS 
STANLEY POTTER 
JAY PRIDHAM 

E. D. RALSTON 
TAMES M. RALSTON 
ERNEST RICHARDSON 
WALTER RICHMOND 
WELDAY ROSCOES 
HENRY M.ROSS 

JAMES V. SANDERSON 
SOLOMON G. SCHACK 
PASQUALE SCOTT1 
HERBERT SEGUR 
HENRY SENCER 
A. LINCOLN SHEAR 
SIMON S1MONSON 
HARRY M. SIMPSON 
EARLE B. SMITH 
GEORGE SMITH 
NORMAN SMITH 
HARRY SMOCK 
WILLIAM L. STEELE 
WARREN STEPHENS 

WILLIAM TAYLOR 
NATHANIEL THOMPSON 
RAYMOND THOMPSON 
HUGH D. TOMPKINS 
EDWARD TUSTIN 
JOSEPH TUSTIN 

S. A. VAN Dl WATER 
PHILIP VAN DORN 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 239 

HAROLD VAN WICKLE HARRY F. WHEELER 

CHARLES VASSOLO HAROLD WINSOR 

GEORGE L. VUNCK ALBERT WOOD 

NORMAN L. VUNCK LEROY WOOLEY 

JOHN C. WORTHY 

COLBERT WALKER GERALD WRIGHT 
REZNOR WARD 

ROSCOE WARNER KENNETH YETMAN 
WALTER H. WEBBER 

HARRY WELSFORD DIOMEDES E. ZEHARES 

How appropriate are the sentiments written for the Ocean Grove 
Monthly, by Eugenie P. Bennett, a resident of Ocean Grove : 

Just a little baby — 

Just a little red-faced baby! 
But to her it was an angel, the only one 
Ever sent to earth from heaven. 
If you ask the reason, this only can I tell you — 
That little red-faced baby was her son. 

Just a romping schoolboy — 

Just a rough-and-tumble schoolboy! 
But to her he was the apple of her eye. 
And her love smoothed down the roughness, 
While her teachings made him manly, 
As the years were ever passing swiftly by. 

Just a tall young soldier, 

In a uniform of khaki ! 
But to her he was the army, every one. 
And she saw him as a general, 
Coming home to be the hero 
Of the country that was proud to call him son. 

Just a little cross in Flanders! 

Just a little mound in Flanders — 
But to her it was a mountain, great and high, 
'Till she saw, beyond that mountain, 
Another Cross uplifted ; 
Then she bowed her head and whispered, with a sigh: 

"That the world might be saved, 1 gave him — 
My all that I had to give, 
I gave him to humanity's cause, 
That democracy might live." 
Ocean Grove, New Jersey. 



240 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

LOCAL INTEREST 

When the Summer Folk Have Flitted 

"What is Ocean Grove like in winter?" 

Of the thousands of visitors who throng the beach, the Board Walk, 
the hotels and boarding houses in summer, many individuals, doubtless, 
more or less vaguely form this question in their minds, especially if said 
minds happen to have an imaginative turn or an inquisitive twist. Most 
of them, of course, forget it the next moment. But now and then one — the 
number is really running into scores and even hundreds now — is drawn 
back first by curiosity and afterward again and again by a much stronger 
attraction born of pleasant knowledge, to spend days and sometimes weeks 
of mid-winter in this place, which you, perhaps, are thinking of as dead or 
sound asleep. 

Ocean Grove is neither dead nor asleep in winter. I am not sure but 
that most of those who are coming to know it well would pronounce it even 
more delightful at this time of the year than in the crowded "season." 

Many things, of course, are different. The great Auditorium, the 
Temple, and the Tabernacle are closed and their doors and windows 
tightly boarded. Most of the large hotels, also, are closed, and so are many 
cottages, though not nearly so many of the latter as you might expect. But 
these changes come as a matter of course, like the falling of the leaves and 
the ripening of the acorns. And with them come the charms that belong 
to winter alone. 

It is true that Ocean Grove was designed first of all for the summer 
sojourners. They are always most cordially welcomed. Every effort is 
made for their pleasure and profit. Hundreds of cozy homes are given up 
to their use, and from June to October the place is theirs. But their bright 
season, after all, covers less than half the year. When they have packed 
their trunks and folded their tents and gone their diverse ways, seven 
months of the twelve are still left. 

Enjoyable and profitable as the popular season has been, no one can 
be blamed for a certain sense of relief when its excitement and confusion 
are over. A few weeks are devoted to a general clearing up and setting 
to rights, indoors and out, and then the winter population settles down to a 
home life not unlike that in other places of the same size. For them there 
are the usual occupations and resources that other people enjoy in their 
home towns. Saint Paul's Church, with its nearly seven hundred active 
members, is earnestly engaged in all the ordinary lines of organized religious 
work. A school of fifteen hundred pupils, with a teaching staff of forty- 
nine, occupies a large and beautiful building, entirely modern and well- 
equipped. A considerable number of business places flourish throughout the 









THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



241 



year. A weekly newspaper and a monthly magazine are published. Elec- 
tric lights in streets and buildings, gas in most houses, free postal service 
with three deliveries each day, and one of the best water supplies and sewer 




A WINTER MORNING SCENE IN OCEAN GROVE 



systems in the state — all these have become so old a story that they are taken 
for granted and seldom thought of; while a sense of safety and security is 
provided by an extraordinarily efficient volunteer fire department, whose 
fine buildings are equipped with excellent, up-to-date steam and electric 
apparatus and furnished with attractive reading and club rooms. The gen- 
eral social life of the place is, of course, what every one makes it. But at 



242 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

least it does not fall behind that of other similar towns in interest. Lec- 
tures and concerts, entertainments of various kinds, and an interchange of 
hospitality, keep the weeks from ever being dull. The common query, "Is 
not Ocean Grove very lonely in winter?" is sure to bring an indulgent smile 
to the face of any year-round resident. 

But what is there for the mere winter visitor? 

First and always there is the sea. Pleasant as was the beach in 
summer, it is still more so in fall and winter. The bathing grounds, to be 
sure, are deserted; the swimming pool is empty; the merry-go-rounds are 
still. But this is the time for long, brisk, bracing walks, unjostled by the 
crowds that used to swarm the Board Walk. The peanut carts are no 
longer in evidence, nor is the odor of popcorn wafted to your nostrils on 
every zephyr. But will you miss these, with the keen salt air in your face 
and its sharp tang on your lips? And who could sigh for the tinkling of 
the beach bands, when the fingers of the wind play upon the great deep, the 
spray plashing in showers of melody while the breakers beat out a basso pro- 
fundo in solemn harmony? 

Then, if you care to turn your back on the drifting dunes and the blue 
splendor of the sea, not far to seek are bits of woods carpeted with crisp 
oak leaves and soft pine needles, spicily fragrant on sunny days with balsam 
and dried sweet-fern. I have heard that the fishing-pier offers sport for 
the enthusiastic angler even in winter. And I know that the two lakes are 
as well adapted for skating as for rowing. "A good freeze" is hailed with 
delight by the young folk, and these placid little sheets of water afford no 
prettier a sight with their gayly decorated boats and darting colored lanterns 
in August than they do on a white and gold day or a moon-flooded evening 
in winter, when the ice "bears" and is thronged with merry skaters. Even 
the swans are apparently as comfortable and contented in January as on the 
warmest July days, dividing their time between the ice and their little 
wooden "house," with an evident preference for the former. The very 
storms too have their charm — to some persons the most potent of all. There 
are occasional tumultuous "northeasters," when you breast the furious wind 
to gaze upon the grandeur of the storm-lashed surf. And there are quiet, 
mysterious days, when the snow comes dropping through the still air, cover- 
ing trees and roofs and sand with its powdery, glistening veil. Sometimes, 
too, there are fairly well-developed blizzards, when snowdrifts pile shoulder- 
high or spread out in wide, white wastes. But it is doubtful if there are 
many places where these bring less of discomfort than in Ocean Grove. 
As soon as the snow reaches a few inches' depth the Association's snow- 
plows begin a rapid progress through the streets, clearing the sidewalks 
and opening the crossings. Provision wagons of all kinds go from door to 
door, making sales or taking orders, as assiduously, if not in as great num- 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 243 

bers, in winter as in summer. Telephone service is uninterrupted, and 
mails appear with their accustomed regularity. As to hotel accommoda- 
tions, while most of the houses are closed, there is still ample provision for 
a large number of guests, who will find entertainment unsurpassed, for com- 
fort and good taste, in any hotel in the country. This, at least, is the verdict 
of many persons who have traveled widely and had much experience. 

I do not know whether or not Ocean Grove has any aspirations toward 
becoming a winter resort in a large or general way, but to the growing 




ELIM COTTAGE 

number of those who have found it out it is already a most satisfying retreat 
for a week end's outing or a longer period of rest and recuperation even in 
the coldest months. 

Elim 

Recognizing the advantages to be derived by having a "home for the 
ministers" erected on the grounds, plans were considered in 1874 for the 
granting of lots for this purpose. While the object was considered to be 
a grand thing, there was a fear it would interfere with the erection of the 
proposed church. The application was made through the ladies of Ocean 
Grove. It was granted and a committee appointed to select a site. Shortly 
after the Association granted the use of Grove Cottage to the ladies for 
this purpose. In 1876 Grove Cottage was renamed "The Elim Cottage," 
granted and furnished gratuitously by the Association and placed in charge 



244 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

of the Ladies' Union Aid Society of Ocean Grove. It was not intended to 
be a hotel, but what its scriptural name indicates — a place of rest. It even 
became cosmopolitan: "Often the inhabitant of far-away India mingled his 
song with the Swede, the Japanese with the Bulgarian, and the converted 
Hebrew with the Dane." 

During the season forty two ministers of different denominations, 
twelve of them with their wives, were entertained at a charge of from $3 
to $5 per week. Some unable to pay anything, but needing rest and recrea- 
tion from their toils, were entertained as guests of the ladies. The receipts 
just met the expenses of the table, the matron and her help having been paid 
from the treasury. 

Mrs. Cookman and Mrs. Joseph H. Thornley, wives of members of 
the Association, were respectively the president and treasurer of the 
Ladies' Society. Mrs. Badeau was the first matron. 

Those who came to the Elim Cottage were many and from remote 
localities; they represented many branches of the Christian Church, yet all 
dwelt together in delightful harmony, so that it was said, "O how good it is 
for brethren to dwell together in unity!" 

In 1883 it was found necessary to move the Elim Cottage some thirty 
feet west in order that Benson Avenue might be opened. 

In 1895 a new porch and railing were built on the east side and certain 
other improvements made. 

Through the years following the Elim Association, which has succeeded 
the first Society in charge of the building, has kept the house open each 
season with but one exception. During the years it has continued to afford 
the entertainment intended at the outset. 

Ocean Grove Church 

From the beginning a site along the turnpike had been plotted on the 
map of Ocean Grove for a church and parsonage, so that when the time 
came that a church was needed to serve the permanent population of the 
locality, everything would be ready. Nothing was done until 1874, at 
which time it appeared the necessity was present. The plot of ground was 
thereupon donated and the Association pledged $1,000 to carry on the work. 

Prior to the building of the church edifice, however, religious services 
had been held before and after the summer meetings for the benefit of those 
who came early and remained late. 

The first time Ocean Grove appeared in the Minutes of the New Jersey 
Conference was in 1870, when Bishop Simpson appointed the Rev. William 
B. Osborn pastor at Greenville and Ocean Grove (Greenville is now 
known as Hamilton). In 1871 the Rev. H. B. Beegle became superin- 
tendent at Ocean Grove and was appointed the pastor at Ocean Grove, 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 245 

which was then made a separate charge by the New Jersey Conference. At 
the same time Dr. A. E. Ballard succeeded Dr. E. H. Stokes as the pre- 
siding elder of the New Brunswick District. Dr. Ballard in the course 
of his duties organized the first Official Board of Saint Paul's Church, 
Ocean Grove, on June 11, 1871. 

Mr. James A. Bradley fitted up free of cost a room over a blacksmith 
shop for religious services. He was the first superintendent of the Sunday 
school. Prayer meetings were held on Sabbath evenings at the Elim Cot- 
tage. The first four members enrolled on the Saint Paul's Church mem- 
bership record were William A. Harvey and Catharine Harvey his wife, 
William Laird, and Abigail White. The first regular Quarterly Confer- 
ence was held August 17, 1871. James A. Bradley, John F. Briggs, and 
W. A. Harvey were made stewards ; W. A. Laird was class leader. These 
four constituted the first official board. James A. Bradley was recording 
steward and Sunday school superintendent. 

The first annual report of the Ocean Grove charge made to the Annual 
Conference in 1872 follows: 

Members, 6; Probationers, 7; Sabbath school officers and teachers, 10; Sunday 
school scholars, 4; with benevolent collections: 

Conference Claimants $15.00 

Missions 12.00 

Church Extension Society 5.00 

Tract Society 2.00 

Bible Society 6.00 

Sunday School Union 3.00 

Freedmen's Aid 2.00 

Education Society 2.00 

Total $47.00 

The pastor's support was $203.73, of which Mr. Bradley gave $100. 

When Park Hall, Asbury Park, was constructed, Mr. Bradley fitted 
up the second story for religious services. It was there that divine worship 
was held from June, 1872, till the church was built in 1876. 

On Thursday afternoon, July 15, 1875, ground was broken for Saint 
Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church of Ocean Grove. The site was just 
south of the Main Avenue gates, where now stands the Neptune High 
School. During the afternoon of Saturday, July 31, 1875, the corner stone 
was laid by Bishop Scott. The building contract called for an expenditure 
of $8,000. 

The next year when the church was completed it was valued, with its 
grounds, at $12,000. 

It was first opened for religious service on May 28, 1876, and was 
formerly dedicated on Tuesday, August 1, 1876, by Bishop Edmund S. 



246 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



Janes. The dedicatory sermon was preached at the Auditorium in the 
morning. In the afternoon the services were held in the church, when 
the dedication took place. This proved to be the last service of the kind 
performed on earth by Bishop Janes. 

For some time thereafter — until the establishment of a cemetery, the 
grounds surrounding the church were used as a temporary cemetery. Later 
the bodies were removed when a cemetery had been permanently located. 




THE OLD SAINT PAUL S CHURCH 



In 1879 one hundred or more members were transferred to a new 
society organized in Asbury Park, but leaving one hundred and fifty-nine 
full members at Saint Paul's. In view of this depletion the bishop was 
requested to appoint the president of the Association, Dr. E. H. Stokes, as 
pastor at Ocean Grove. The removal of the church to another location 
began to be agitated at this time. 

The old Saint Paul's church building facing the turnpike at the head 
of Main Avenue was sold in 1882 for public school purposes. The same 
year a chapel was built in West Grove to accommodate those who lived 
in that vicinity. The West Grove enterprise started with thirty-two mem- 
bers and thirteen probationers. After the sale of the property the church 
services were held in Association Hall while an application was made by the. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 247 

society to the Association for ground upon which to locate the new 
church edifice. "After careful and prayerful consideration," the plot then 
occupied by the Young People's Temple was offered to the society as 
a site for their new building. After some deliberation, the official board 
of the church unanimously accepted the proffer and the matter rested 
there. Some months later, nothing having been done, the Association by 
vote requested the church to reconsider the matter. This was done and 
the church, upon further consideration, reached the conclusion that if the 
Association would grant the use of the plot of ground known as Park 
Square, where now stands the church, the needs of the church would be 
fully met. 

A special meeting of the Association was then called, the entire ques- 
tion recanvassed, and the request was granted. 

This was during the pastorate of the Rev. W. W. Wythe, M.D. 

Saint Paul's church has had a substantial and satisfactory growth 
during the period of its existence, and has enjoyed the services of some of 
the leading preachers of the New Jersey Conference, as the subjoined list 
shows : 

William B. Osborn, 1870-1871; H. B. Beegle, 1871-1874; Levi 
Larew, 1 874-1 876; William T. Abbott, 1876- 1878; William S. Barnart, 
1878-1880; E. H. Stokes, 1880-1883; W. W. Wythe and George Hughes, 
1883-1884; John B. Westcott, 1884-1887; Henry Belting, 1887-1891; 
D. B. Harris, 1891-1893; Milton Relyea, 1893-1896; J. G. Reed, 1896- 
1901; E. C. Hancock, 1 901-1905; J. W. Marshall, 1905-1907; Percy 
Perinchief, 1907-1909; Marshall Owens, 1909-1913; James D. Bills, 1913- 
igi8;T. J. J. Wright, 1918- 

Bancroft Rest Home 

The Woman's Home Missionary Society has nearly five hundred 
deaconesses and three hundred and fifty missionary workers in its service 
under the flag. These workers become very weary in the service they render 
to God and humanity. For this reason Rest Homes have been established in 
various places. 

Bancroft Rest Home, at Ocean Grove, for Missionaries and Deacon- 
esses was among the first to be opened by the Woman's Home Missionary 
Society. Here at a moderate rate of board these workers may spend their 
vacation period. At Ocean Grove they gain not only physical rest and re- 
cuperation, but the religious environment makes them "strong in the Lord 
and in the power of his might." Thus they are enabled to return to difficult 
fields of labor to which God has called them to render more acceptable 
service. 

Some who have given long years of service in various departments of 



2 4 8 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



the activities of the Society have come here to rest during the later days 
of life, and here at the "evening time it is light." 

Bancroft Rest Home is open during the entire year, and at all times 
missionaries and deaconesses, as well as other guests, are made welcome. 

Mrs. J. A. Hudson, of Philadelphia, is president of the Local Board 
of Managers; Miss Kate Quarry is superintendent, and Mrs. W. B. Scott, 
assistant superintendent. 




BANCROFT REST HOME 



Methodist Episcopal Home for the Aged in Ocean Grove 

Ocean Grove is deeply interested in religious and benevolent enter- 
prises, and does what it can to promote them. A Home for Aged Persons 
is consonant with its character and purposes. From the viewpoint of reli- 
gion or benevolence a better place for such an institution cannot be found 
in the State. The Home was founded in 1907. 

Started at first as a local enterprise of the New Brunswick District 
of the New Jersey Annual Conference, it quickly took in all of Monmouth 
County and later became a general enterprise for the Methodists of the 
State of New Jersey including both the New Jersey and the Newark An- 
nual Conferences. 

On Sunday morning, February 6, 1916, the Home was destroyed by 
fire. Fifteen aged persons were in the building, the oldest just ninety-two 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



249 



years of age. Though all were in great danger, by a gracious Providence 
all were saved without injury. 

It is particularly appropriate that it should be located at Ocean Grove 
— this center of Methodist Episcopal activities — where the residents may 
have all the advantages of the religious services and other features of 
Ocean Grove's summer life as well as the local social and church activities 
during the autumn, winter, and spring. 

Mrs. John H. Parker of West Long Branch, New Jersey, is President 
of the Board of Managers. 




THE NEW HOME FOR THE AGED AT OCEAN GROVE, ERECTED 

TO REPLACE THE FORMER HOME DESTROYED BY 

FIRE FEBRUARY 6, 1916 



CONVENTIONS 

The Church and Sunday School Congress 
There was an innovation in the program of 1881, by a meeting of a 
Church and Sunday School Congress. There were lectures and addresses 
by men and women of distinction. Chief among these was the Rev. J. L. 
Hurlbut, A.M., conductor of the Sunday School Department, who, with 
the children, brought out the topography of Palestine on the sands at the 
foot of Ocean Pathway. There was issued daily a little paper called The 
Children's Hour, printed from a stencil made with a pulsating pen, which 
proved to be of wonderful interest to the children. 

The congress closed with a concert under the direction of Professor 



250 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

Sweney which "was like the waves of melody filling the air with delicious 
sounds." 

The National Educational Assembly 

Again, in 1882, the National Educational Assembly met. This as- 
sembly was organized by the Rev. Dr. Hartzell, who later became a bishop 
of Africa. 

There were a host of prominent speakers, among whom were bishops 
of our own and other denominations, statesmen prominent in national and 
state affairs; leading editors, clergymen, educators and laymen, forming 
what might be called a "galaxy of orators." The assembly was so success- 
ful that an invitation was extended to meet again at Ocean Grove the 
following year. 

The Epworth League Institute and the "Get-Together 
Conference" 

The recent presence of two organizations — the Epworth League In- 
stitute of the Second General Conference District of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church and the "Get-Together Conference" of the Executive officers 
of the Young Men's Christian Associations of New Jersey — at Ocean 
Grove, presumably after careful consideration of the advantages offered by 
this place in comparison with many others which might have been chosen 
— or under whatever guiding motive — emphasizes a fact which we have 
long held as a firm conviction, namely, that Ocean Grove presents most 
attractive features for such gatherings and is in many respects better 
adapted to their purposes than any other resort. 

The beauty and quiet of the place, with its natural attractions of 
ocean, board walk, boating and fishing, combined with the excellent roads 
in all directions for driving or automobiling to the numerous nearby points 
of local or historic interest, render it notable for its suitableness. Its close 
proximity, also, to both New York and Philadelphia — the two greatest 
American cities of the East — indicates its convenience of location. 

There are many organizations of more than local scope and character, 
which, if Ocean Grove were called to their attention, would, we believe, 
gladly avail themselves of such opportunities as are afforded by meeting 
here. Some such, like the two just mentioned and the State Federation of 
Women's Clubs, have already done so. Others are coming, including the 
National Educational Association, which it is expected will hold its sessions 
in the Auditorium, as it did some of those of 1905. It is rumored that some 
thirty thousand persons are likely to attend this Convention, which could 
not be held here except for the cooperation of the Ocean Grove Camp 
Meeting Association in granting the use of the Auditorium. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



251 



It is surely evident that a little com- 
bination of effort, directing attention to 
Ocean Grove and its natural and geo- 
graphical advantages, must result in many- 
other organizations, whose purposes and 
objects are in harmony with our funda- 
mental principles, seeking to make this 
the center of their conventions and as- 
semblies. 

Temperance 

Ocean Grove has devoted much time 
to the cause of temperance and prohibi- 
tion. In 1875, on August 11 and 12, 
there was held a two-days' temperance 
meeting, the influence of which it was 
thought "must be felt for long ages to 
come." 

Miss Frances E. Willard, prominent 
in the Women's National Christian Tem- 
perance Union, attended the conventions 
of that Society for many years in Ocean 
Grove. It is said that her closing ad- 
dress in 1 88 1 "thrilled many thousands 
of hearts." 

In 1882 when Iowa voted with a 
thirty thousand majority for prohibition, 
a jubilee meeting was held. 

In 1883 the National Temperance 
Society held a convention, when at one 
of the meetings George W. Bain, known 
as "the silver-tongued orator of Ken- 
tucky," swayed an audience of six thou- 
sand. 

In passing it may be noted that in 
1900 the National Temperance and Pub- 
lication Society held its twenty-fifth an- 
nual gathering at Ocean Grove. 

Since then practically all the Na- 
tional and State temperance organizations 
have held conventions or meetings at 
Ocean Grove, when men and women of 




252 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



national prominence have been present either as presiding officers or as 
speakers. 

The sentiment of Ocean Grove on the temperance question was well 
expressed by Dr. Stokes who said, "Let every man's eye be like the eagle's to 
detect, and every man's face as flint, and every man's voice terrible thunder 
against this foe which leads to ruin here and eternal hell hereafter." 

Summer School of Theology 

This was inaugurated in Ocean Grove in 1895 under the presidency 
of Dr. Stokes, with J. E. Price, D.D., as dean. The advisory council con- 




THE NEW JERSEY STATE FEDERATION OF WOMEN S CLUBS IN SESSION IN 

THE CONVENTION HALL SET APART FOR THE PURPOSE ON THE UPPER 

DECK OF THE NORTH END PAVILION 



sisted of such prominent ecclesiastics as Bishops Hurst, Warren, Andrews, 
Foss, Dr. Neely (later bishop), and Dr. George K. Morris. 

The first oratorio ever given at Ocean Grove — "Messiah" — was "the 
brilliant crowning" of the summer program of the School of Theology in 
1895. Ten thousand people were present in the Auditorium which caused 
Dr. Walter Damrosch, who was present with his orchestra and who con- 
ducted the presentation, to say that "it was the largest number" before 
whom he had ever directed it. The chorus for this occasion was drilled by 
Professor Tali Esen Morgan, who had but recently become the musical 
director of Ocean Grove. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



253 



The object of the Summer School of Theology was "to promote higher 
ministerial efficiency and to afford to those whose time is largely absorbed 
by the demands of a busy pastorate, facilities for some study in the ad- 
vanced thought of the times, upon various phases of doctrine and of min- 
isterial life and work." 

The Summer School of Theology was continued for six years under 
the deanship of Dr. Price, who in 1900 found it necessary to resign because 
of the press of his pastoral duties. The school was continued for a number 
of years but was discontinued with the season of 1905. 

State Federation of Women's Clubs 

The Convention of the New Jersey State Federation of Women's 
Clubs, held during the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth of this May, 19 16, 




DR. ELLA PRENTISS UPHAM 

President Woman's Club of Asbury 

Park 



MRS. C. W. STOCKTON 

President New Jersey State Federation 

of Women's Clubs 



at the North End Hotel and adjoining Pavilion, is justly to be regarded as 
the most important early-season event in the history of Ocean Grove. 

This body, which was organized in 1894 ar| d the same year joined the 
General Federation of Women's Clubs in the United States, represents 
one hundred and eighty-seven clubs, located in a large number of cities and 
towns, with an aggregate membership of more than seventeen thousand 
women, drawn from among the most able and influential of our common- 
wealth. Its activities and interests cover a wide range and are divided, 
for efficiency's sake, into a number of special departments, including those 



254 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

of Education, Legislation, Home Economics, Civics and Public Health, 
Conservation, Industrial and Social Conditions, Art, Literature and Li- 
braries, Music and Sociology, with subdepartments or committees devoted 
to Drama, Pageantry, safe and sane expressions of patriotism, and other 
subjects. 

The reports and conferences upon these and allied subjects were full 
of interest, as were all the general sessions of the Convention. The latter 
were very largely attended and were addressed by special and very able 
speakers, including Mrs. C. W. Stockton, the capable and gracious presi- 
dent of the body, who spoke impressively on "Responsibility"; Mrs. Percy 
V. Pennypacker, president of the National Federation now in session in 
New York, whose words on "The Spirit of Federation" will long be 
remembered for their fine eloquence and practical helpfulness; Miss Pauline 
Scarborough, who set forth in a most delightful lecture-recital "The Rela- 
tion of Music to Life," illustrating her points by selections from Chopin; 
Mrs. Beatrice Forbes Robertson Hale, who kept her large audience at a 
high pitch of fascinated interest as she enthusiastically discussed and illus- 
trated the subject of "Dress Reform"; and Mr. John Barrett, director- 
general of the Pan-American Union, who spoke at length and illuminatingly 
on the responsibility of the United States toward the people of the Latin- 
American countries and urged a congress of the women of North and 
South America in 1920. Dr. E. Stagg-Whitin, of Columbia University and 
the National Committee on Prisons, gave much interesting and valuable in- 
formation on the problems and need of prison reform. Other fine speakers 
were Mrs. Belmont Tiffany, one of the vice-chairmen of the Red Cross 
Society, and Mr. Gordon Berry, field secretary of the National Committee 
for the Prevention of Blindness, both of whom dealt forcefully with their 
special topics. Several distinguished guests, including a number of past- 
presidents of the Federation, were present from time to time and were 
introduced to the Convention. 

On the whole, this gathering was declared by common consent to be the 
best ever held by the Federation, as the place of meeting also was pro- 
nounced ideal for the purpose. All general sessions and some of the con- 
ferences were held in the western end of the upper Pavilion, which had been 
admirably enclosed, steam-heated, and tastefully decorated. The North 
End Hotel itself, large as it is, proved insufficient to accommodate all the 
four hundred or more attendants upon the Convention; but such additional 
entertainment as was required was provided by the Majestic, the Queen, 
and other neighboring hostelries. 

To any community the presence for three days of this progressive and 
influential body is of signal importance, not only as a stimulant to wider 
culture, but because of the kindling among its citizens of a livelier, more 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 255 

intelligent, and more practical interest in many vital subjects concerning 
us all. It was therefore gratifying to note at nearly all the sessions, besides 
the delegates and members of the local club, who were in a sense hostesses of 
the Convention, a considerable representation of our home folk, availing 
themselves of the opportunities thus freely offered. 

The Community Christmas Tree 

In the center of Woodlawn Park, on Main Avenue, upon the spot 
where now stands the Alday Memorial Fountain, there was erected in 
1914 the first Community Christmas tree in Ocean Grove. 




THE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE 
DECEMBER, 1914 

From whatever source came the first suggestion, the idea that there be 
such a tree, with a community celebration, met the hearty approval of all; 
and true to its traditions as a leader among its neighbors, the suggestion was 
adopted. Ocean Grove becoming the first of the New Jersey resorts to have 
its Community Christmas Tree. 

A large cedar tree, with wide-spreading branches, was obtained and 



256 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



erected in Woodlawn Park, where everyone entering and leaving Ocean 
Grove through Main Avenue could see it. The Ocean Grove Association, 
through its electrical department, provided the illumination with electric 
lights of varied colors, and at the top of the tree the chief electrician had 
with wonderful good taste placed a Christmas star. 




THE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE 1916 

The day before Christmas had not been altogether pleasant, but toward 
evening the snow fell covering the ground and the Christmas tree with its 
mantle of white, so that before the hour arrived for the Christmas Eve 
celebration, the whole scene was one of beauty and of the character so gen- 
erally considered to be associated with Christmas. 

Of course, with a Community Christmas Tree, Ocean Grove must 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 257 

needs have a suitable celebration. And what more suitable exercise could 
there have been than the commemoration of the birth of Christ? In joy- 
ous groups around the foot of the tree gathered the people of Ocean Grove, 
some to take part in the celebration and some to watch and listen. Nothing 
more appropriate could have been devised than the simple exercises of 
prayer, Christmas carols and hymns, and recitations. Under the ruddy 
glow of the illuminated tree the whole picture was one to be long remem- 
bered. 

The next year a large and beautiful tree was erected in a different and 
even more conspicuous location. 

Around the Community Christmas Tree 

No more perfect Christmas Eve for an out-of-door celebration was 
ever known than that of 19 15 in Ocean Grove. In spite of earlier threat- 
enings of storm, the air was crisp and clear, the ground was dry, a million 
stars glittered overhead, and the temperature, though low enough to be brac- 
ing, was still quite sufficiently warm for comfort. 

For days beforehand anticipation had been whetted by glimpses of 
preparations going on and hints of pleasant things to come. There was the 
big beautiful tree, a stately cedar set up in the most conspicuous and central 
place in all Ocean Grove — the very middle of the crossing of Main Avenue 
and Pilgrim Pathway, where it could be seen through long and spacious 
vistas in all directions. There were the chief electrician and his helpers, 
busily employed in arranging the palisade of greenery around its base and 
the colored lamps and emblems among its branches. And people were 
saying that the chorus choir of Saint Paul's Church was practicing special 
music for the celebration. By the time the appointed hour on Christmas 
Eve arrived, an expectant crowd, several hundreds strong, had gathered 
eagerly in the open space around the tree. 

A hum of happy chatter, occasional trills of youthful laughter, an 
atmosphere vibrant with holiday excitement and general good will, all 
were attuned to the glad festival. Then suddenly came a hush, as the sound 
of voices caroling in the distance was caught, and down Main Avenue from 
the gates came the girl chorus, singing through the frosty air: 

"Hark! the herald angels sing 
Glory to the new-horn King." 

Almost at the same time the tree flashed out in the darkness, calling 
forth exclamations of wonder and delight at its beauty, with the red and 
white lights gleaming amid the green, the shining crescent, cross, shield, 
heart and other emblems, and the splendid star coruscating on its lofty 
apex. 



258 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

The exercises were brief, but beautiful and fitting. Dr. Ballard, the 
President of the Association, offered prayer and in a few well-chosen words 
dedicated the Community Tree to the childhood of Ocean Grove — a dedi- 
cation that made all the hundreds present in whose hearts "the eternal 
child" persists feel that this was indeed their tree and their festival. The 
choir girls sang "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" and "There's a Song 
In the Air"; and another little thrill of excitement was felt, as the jingle of 
approaching sleighbells was heard and up from the direction of the sea swept 
the modern, but ever-welcome Santa Claus in his automobile. 

Whether in a reindeer sledge or an up-to-date motor car, Santa is 
always Santa, known by his scarlet coat and snowy furs and still more by 
his genial countenance. With him he brought his magic telescope, through 
which he gazed back along the ages and across the seas to Bethlehem and 
the first Christmas, describing the little town in the Juda?an hills, the over- 
crowded inn, the manger crib, and the Eastern kings bringing their gifts 
and homage to the Royal Child of a young Jewish mother. Then on into 
the future he peered, bringing his message of "Peace on earth, good will 
toward men," yet to be fulfilled. 

At the request of Santa, the carolers sang "O Little Town of Beth- 
lehem." Meanwhile, big-hearted as ever, he was busily distributing among 
all present, whether old or young, gifts of oranges, rosy apples and Christ- 
mas candies. When it is remembered how many of these there were and 
how much assistance was required in the mere work of distribution, and at 
the same time is considered that all was donated by one man, one cannot 
but wonder if anywhere else on this Christmas Eve was found so generous 
a Santa Claus as that of Ocean Grove. 

It is also said that each member of the choir was presented with a box 
of candy and a hymnal as a gift from the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Asso- 
ciation. 

The festivities closed with the singing, by all present, of "Praise God, 
from whom all blessings flow," after which the crowd quickly dispersed, 
amid a general chorus of good wishes and with a universal feeling that 
never before, in Ocean Grove or elsewhere, had a Merry Christmas been 
more heartily ushered in. 

In Time of Storm 

From the days of the Hebrew bards, poets the world over have sung 
of the variableness of the sea. Its everchanging aspect has made it, through 
all ages and in all languages, the symbol of mutability, of restlessness, 
caprice, inconstancy and instability. Nevertheless, it is in this very change- 
fulness that its greatest fascination lies. Yesterday the ocean was a shim- 
mering expanse of pale-blue satin, fringed with foamy, lacelike whiteness. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 259 

At sunset it became a milky plain, with mother-o '-pearl reflections. This 
morning its billowy surface is a dazzle of sapphire and emerald, tossing 
up a jewelled mist of rainbow-tinted spray. What will it be to-morrow? 
Perhaps a plunging, lead-hued monster, tearing with angry growls the sands 
on which we sat so little while ago, listening to the "innumerable laughter" 
of tiny, lapping waves or the half-hushed whispers of retreating swirls, and 
where even now we are thrilling to the deep organ tones of the booming 
surf. But in every phase it holds us with an irresistible attraction. In 
which one we love it best depends upon some subtle quality of our indi- 
vidual constitution — or, perhaps, upon our swiftly-changing moods. Only, 
be sure, if you are finely keyed to nature's harmonies, that you can never be 
quite satisfied until you have seen them all — until you have watched the 
ocean in storm as well as calm ; have learned its majesty and power as well 
as its summer-morning beauty. 

Sometimes, even in summer, the storm-king leaps upon our shore in 
a genuine old northeaster, which drives the timid into hotel parlors and shel- 
tered porches leaving the beach to the intrepid souls (a goodly number of 
them too!) who answer to the roaring gale as to a trumpet call, and, 
cloaked and muffled, beat their way to the board walk and the pier to see 
the wondrous pageant which old Neptune has prepared. But it is in the 
autumn and winter that the most magnificent storms are seen on this New 
Jersey coast. And, baleful as has been their work in other places, some 
only a few miles from here, so far Ocean Grove, with one exception, has had 
only the revelation of their grandeur without the experience of their destruc- 
tive and devastating power. 

You have seen it, some of you who read. You know the tempest's spell, 
the breathless joy and tingle of it. How valiantly one struggles down to the 
shore in the teeth of the mad wind ! And how tonic and quickening is the 
sight of the giant forces in their unrestrained play! The sea plunges and 
roars, thrashed and fretted to a creamy froth, which is sent scudding in 
white drifts along the smooth beach or tossed in feathery fluffs far up on 
the land. The timbers of the pier creak and quiver beneath your daring 
feet. The breakers leap furiously up against the pavilions, shaking their 
spray above your head, and you laugh at the risk of a drenching. The frosty 
wind nips your nose and your fingers ; it clutches your garments, now 
threatening to tear them quite away and again whipping them round and 
round your trammeled limbs; it blows the swirling wet sand stingingly 
against your half numbed cheeks. Yet still you laugh, and your heart sings 
exultantly in tune with the thunderous music that envelops you. There is 
something solemn and awesome about it too, and you feel your soul expand 
with a new comprehension of elemental things. 

"Ah! but this is all for the strong and vigorous, for those able to stand 



260 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



with the wind and wet and cold for the sake of such experiences. There 
are many who must miss the grandest spectacle the world has to offer, if it 
can be witnessed only so." 

It was so, yes. But now — well, the writer is not an advertiser, and 



] 


- 

■" ^ „ 


!••'•- __ ^ 


^tf/jb* _.3 ^M|b .3 








HAVOC WROUGHT AT SEABRIGHT, NEW JERSEY, ABOUT TEX MILES NORTH 

OF OCEAN GROVE, BY THE STORM OF JANUARY, 1915 

Ocean Grove has thus far, with one exception, escaped damage from storm, being 

protected by an excellent jetty system. 



"names no names." But when last winter's storms came raging down the 
coast place was found in Ocean Grove — anyone can rind it easily enough ! — 
where the frailest and most delicate sea-lover can sit all day, warm, shel- 
tered, perfectly protected amid the welter of wind and water in the very 
wildest weather, and gaze upon the wrack of sea and sky, the wave-torn 
beach and storm-swept front as far as eye can reach in both directions, yet 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 261 

without setting foot out of doors, feeling the slightest chill, or drawing in a 
breath of dampness. And those who saw it thus, as well as we who love to 
face the blasts, agree that anyone who has never beheld the ocean in a storm 
has something still to live for. 

OCEAN GROVE LITERATURE 

More extended information than could be given in advertising caused 
the publication in 1871 or 1872 of two numbers of a paper called Ocean 
Grove. This was very widely circulated and much good resulted in at- 
tracting attention and awakening of interest in Ocean Grove. This 
publicity was found to be more effective than any form of advertising. Each 
edition consisted of ten thousand copies and the publication of this paper 
continued for a number of years. 

In 1874 a pamphlet of about one hundred pages, including illustra- 
tions, was issued. It contained the annual reports of the president up to 
that time, though these were somewhat abridged. It also contained other 
interesting Ocean Grove matter. Two thousand copies were printed and 
circulated. In the same year a neat little directory of Ocean Grove was 
prepared, and during the Camp Meeting, two numbers of the Ocean Grove 
Bulletin were issued, giving a full account of the Camp Meeting services 
and other interesting items. Thereafter, the annual reports of the Ocean 
Grove Camp Meeting Association were issued in pamphlet form under 
various names, beginning with City by the Sea, and including Summer by 
the Sea, and Centennial by the Sea. In 1879, ten years after the organiza- 
tion of the Association, it appeared as Ten Years by the Sea. 

These annual reports have been continued with one exception (191 7), 
to the present time, the last appearing as Upon the Sands at Ocean Grove, 
a neat and profusely illustrated pamphlet of one hundred and twenty- 
eight pages, with cover of special design — a view of the beach — and 
printed in colors. Upon the Sands is not only the annual report, but a 
souvenir of the program and services of 1918, and has been used for public- 
ity purposes in anticipation of the semicentennial celebration occurring in 
19-19. 

In June, 1875, the Rev. Adam Wallace, a member of the Association, 
began the publication of the Ocean Grove Record. This was a weekly 
issue, though sometimes published twice a week during the season. It gave 
a rather full account of the summer's work, and was circulated broadly, 
probably reaching every State and Territory in the Union. This publica- 
tion, while a private enterprise, received the moral and some financial sup- 
port of the Association. The Ocean Grove Record was published for many 
years and became widely known throughout the country. 



262 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



For a period of thirteen years there was published an Ocean Grove 
Annual, prepared for gratuitous distribution. The annual issue con- 
sisted of five thousand or more copies, but in later years has been super- 
seded by the publication for gratuitous distribution of the summer program. 

During the earlier years of its existence, Ocean Grove received a great 
deal of publicity, and it is known that electrotypes were granted the Rev. 
Joseph Parker of the City Temple of London, to be used to illustrate 
articles written by him for publication in a London newspaper. Highly 
appreciative articles also appeared in the Canada Methodist Magazine, 




THE HOME OF THE OCEAN GROVE RECORD 



which devoted fourteen pages to an illustrated article in 1881. Likewise 
the Ladies' Repository, then published by the Methodist Episcopal Church 
under the editorship of Dr. Curry, gave considerable space to setting forth 
the ideals of Ocean Grove. 

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association has had among its 
members at various times some well-known editors, such as the Rev. George 
Hughes, Guide to Holiness; The Rev. R. J. Andrews, Methodist Herald; 
James S. Yard, Esq., Monmouth Democrat ; The Rev. A. Wallace, Ocean 
Grove Record. 

The Ocean Grove Times 

The Ocean Grove Times was established by William H. Beegle in 
1893. Prior to that time the local field was covered, more especially with 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 263 

religious intent, by the Ocean Grove Record. The inauguration of the 
Times followed an insistent demand for a paper giving more attention to 
the home news of a growing population, but in no way trespassing on the 
Record's preserves. After a period of years the Times absorbed the Record, 
being published under the name of the Times-Record. Later the Record 
part of the heading was dropped. The Times eventually passed out of the 
control of its original owner and has been published by several different 
persons, and to-day is owned and published by Mrs. Laura V. Rainear, 
with John E. Quinn as editor. The latter has remained with the paper 
under its several owners. The Times is the only newspaper published in 
Ocean Grove. Its subscribers number a fair proportion of out-of-town 
property owners, as well as summer visitors, who take this means of keeping 
in close touch with Association affairs, and with all else pertaining to Ocean 
Grove, as well as with real estate and tax matters of Neptune Township, 
as the Times is the official paper of the township and publishes all of its 
legal business. 

The Ocean Grove Monthly 

In 19 1 5 the Ocean Grove Monthly made its first appearance. This is 
an illustrated magazine devoted to the varied interests of Ocean Grove — 
A Christian Seaside Resort. It is of an entirely different character from 
any other publication and adds to the dissemination of information in text 
and picture, in addition to the news published by the Ocean Grove Times. 
The Ocean Grove Monthly has been established for the purposes of helpful 
publicity for Ocean Grove, and this was set forth in its first editorial, as 
follows : 

Publicity vs. Advertising 

Even well-informed people frequently confuse the distinctions between publicity 
and advertising. This is not unnatural, for advertising is much more common 
than is publicity. There is, however, an essential difference between the two. 

Publicity might be defined as the art of spreading information on some particu- 
lar subject, not necessarily involving any commercial transaction. Advertising, on 
the other hand, is the making of certain kinds of announcements, generally with a 
view to bringing about the sale or purchase of some commodity. In other words, 
publicity is calculated to create an interest, while the object of advertising is to set 
forth means of satisfying demands which may grow out of such interest. 

Of course publicity is of various kinds. It may be personal, general, or 
particular, and it may relate to individuals, organizations, commodities, or places; 
but it is primarily intended to attract attention and awaken intelligent interest. 
Only when this is successfully accomplished is the time ripe for advertising. 

The primary object of The Ocean Grove Monthly is helpful publicity. 

The attractions of this place are many and varied — whether they be natural, 
religious, or musical. Many thousands of people come to Ocean Grove, but there 
are many more thousands who have never heard of it. It probably would be as 
popular with the latter as with the former. It is, therefore, important to let them 



264 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

know about it — and herein publicity can serve Ocean Grove. When the attention 
of those who know nothing of the place is drawn to it and they learn of its unique 
advantages, it is natural that they will be inspired, as have been multitudes before 
them, with a desire to visit the place. The immediate and assured result will be 
a variety of needs which advertising can satisfy. And in meeting these needs 
our secondary but no less careful aim will be fulfilled. 

Have we made the distinction — and our object — clear? First, publicity to 
create the demand, and second, advertising to satisfy it. 



FINANCES 

A Christmas Gift 

On the twenty-second day of December, 1869 — but three days before 
Christmas — a company of seriously-minded men, not fully understanding 
the nature of the Christmas gift they were about to make, if, indeed, it ever 
occurred to them that what they were about to do would prove to be of that 
character, met at the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of Trenton, 
New Jersey, and formed an association, which later was chartered by the 
State of New Jersey as the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

When we say these men were seriously minded, no one must think that 
they were sad-faced or pessimistic. They were not. On the contrary, they 
were men of a rugged, hearty type — of cheerful face and joyous heart. 
But inspired by the experiences of a few weeks of rest and recreation by the 
side of the sea during the preceding summer, and desiring to gratify the 
expressed wish of many who urged them "so to extend our enterprise as to 
include all who sought similar relief from the heavy cares of professional 
or business life," they had come together to perfect a permanent organiza- 
tion. 

The association they formed was without shares of stock. It was not 
inaugurated as a commercial enterprise, and neither these founders nor their 
successors have ever derived any profit from it. Nevertheless without hope 
of return, but in order to constitute a fund with which to start their work, 
each of the twenty-six charter members contributed the sum of $25, thus 
creating a fund of $650. Considering what Ocean Grove has become, it 
seems marvelous that it could have had so modest a beginning. 

Perhaps the founders did not themselves perceive the significance of 
the Christmastide organization. Certainly, the real value of their offering 
— their Christmas gift of Ocean Grove to the world — cannot be expressed 
in terms of the material contribution eacli made, though even this, no doubt, 
was to many of them no inconsiderable sacriiice. Through all the years 
between it has been steadily growing in magnitude and luster, until to-day 
it stands before the world in all its glory, a priceless gift and beautiful 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 265 

possession— OCEAN GROVE, AN UNEQUALED CHRISTIAN 
SEASIDE RESORT. 

Innumerable thousands who have come and gone without knowing the 
circumstances of the origin of Ocean Grove or perhaps even learning that 
these men had ever existed, have reaped pleasure and benefit from that 
Christmas gift. So it is and ever will be, in large things and in small. The 
little child with his Christmas toy says "Santa Claus brought it," all un- 
comprehending the parental love which prompted the gift. He may even 
weary of it and try to injure or destroy it. So too his elders may fail to dis- 
cern the motives, the sacrifices, the labors of love, aye, and the prayers 
which have been woven into the fabric of this greater Christmas gift. 
Some few of them, from time to time, may seek to mar or mutilate it. But 
even as the memory of the founders fades from our minds, and though their 
very names may be unknown to those who enjoy their gift in future, the gift 
itself remains — ever beautiful — and may it so continue until the end of time. 

Ground Rental 

Notwithstanding the contract in the leasehold, no ground rentals were 
demanded for four years, for there was very little expense incurred. For 
several years it was fixed at $2.50; then for several years increased to $3 and 
in 1880 fixed at $5 per lot. In 1883 owing to the expense incurred in 
erecting a fire house on Ohio Street, the ground rental was increased to 
$7.50, as it was thought just that the leaseholders should bear their share of 
the expense, as it had been incurred for their benefit. 

On November 27, 1885, a heavy storm destroyed the board walk, 
two pavilions, flagstaff, and washed away a considerable portion of the 
beach, beside destroying the sewer outlet. When all was over it was a scene 
of "widespread desolation." The cost of reconstruction would be so heavy 
that it was deemed necessary to hold a special meeting of the Association to 
consider the situation. It was resolved that the board walk should be 
rebuilt and that the leaseholders be requested to meet the expense by volun- 
tary assessment. A nicely worded circular letter was issued pointing out 
that the destroyed facilities had been provided "entirely at the cost of the 
Association," that they were "for the public benefit, promoting the plea- 
sure, increasing the value of property, and thereby advancing the financial 
interests of all." 

A special assessment was fixed at $5,000 and was placed on all prop- 
erty between Wesley and Fletcher Lakes, and the turnpike and ocean, in 
varying amounts according to location. 

As this was a new departure, the answers to these circulars were 
awaited anxiously. Almost without exception they proved to be of an 



266 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

encouraging character ; most of them were paid promptly, and some offered 
to double the amount if such should become a necessity. The spirit of 
the responses was a great encouragement to the Association. The total 
expense, including the repairs to the sewer, amounted to about $6,500, of 
which the assessment of $5,000 left $1,500 still to be paid by the Associa- 
tion. It is recorded that "D. H. Brown, Esq., the treasurer, and J. H. 
Thornley, one of the members of the Executive Committee, drove the nails 
next to the last, and the president the last in the new board walk at 
11.40 A. m., June 18, 1885. The Doxology was then sung, and refresh- 
ments and general congratulations followed." 

The Right of Taxation 

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association possesses no right of 
taxation, and, therefore, levies no taxes. Yearly ground rentals, thus far 
limited to a maximum of $10.50 per lot, irrespective of values, are matters 
of leasehold contracts, just as house or office rents are matters of contract, 
and should not be confused with taxes levied by the taxing authorities of the 
town, county, and State government. 

A commission form of government is usually considered to be the most 
efficient and economical form of municipal government and is generally 
reflected in a lower tax rate. Our neighbors, Asbury Park to the north and 
Bradley Beach to the south, have each adopted the commission form of gov- 
ernment in recent years. Ocean Grove, the first of the seaside resorts, has 
remained continuously under the management of the Ocean Grove Camp 
Meeting Association. 

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association pays taxes upon its prop- 
erty for township, county, and State purposes, the same as its lessees, and 
at the same rates and to the same collector. Besides that, it maintains the 
streets and ocean front, which are private property — lights them, polices 
them, and removes the garbage without help or financial assistance from the 
tax fund. The ground rentals are used exclusively for these purposes, but 
are not sufficient to meet the necessary expenditures. It may not be gen- 
erally known that the entire sum received from ground rentals approx- 
imates only about $18,000, while more than double this amount is required 
to perform the work mentioned. The difference must be secured from other 
sources, and comes mainly from rentals of property upon which the Ocean 
Grove Camp Meeting Association pays taxes like others. 

In Ocean Grove the public school, which is of excellent character; and 
the Fire Department, whose members serve as volunteers, are supported 
from the taxes the same as elsewhere, which taxes are disbursed by officials 
elected by the voters of Ocean Grove and the other sections of Neptune 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 267 

Township. The other usual municipal functions of a city or borough are 
performed by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. 

A great saving results to the taxpayers of Ocean Grove by the man- 
agement of the Association, as a comparison of the tax rates quickly shows. 
Asbury Park paid in 1918 at the rate of $3.54 per 100, and Bradley Beach 
at $3.13, while Ocean Grove (Neptune Township) pays only $2.12. A 
further comparison, using as a basis the last tax assessment upon that part 
of Neptune Township known as Ocean Grove, in round figures $5,000,000, 
shows that the taxpayers of Ocean Grove have saved $71,000 as compared 
with Bradley Beach, and $50,500 as compared with Asbury Park. 

Some who read this will say that the lessees in Ocean Grove pay to the 
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, in addition to the Neptune Town- 
ship taxes, an "assessment" which is in the nature of a tax. The use of 
the word "assessment" is unfortunate to describe a contract agreement for 
ground rental. As a matter of fact, the so-called "assessment" is not a tax, 
nor is it an assessment, but is a payment for ground rent provided for in 
the original leases. 

If it is conceded, for the sake of argument, that the ground rental 
corresponds to a tax, it may also be said that it is expended by the Ocean 
Grove Camp Meeting Association for the benefit of the leaseholders. 

It is doubtful "if in all the land there is another place where the people 
receive so much attention at so little cost." The Ocean Grove Asso- 
ciation "lights the public streets and avenues the year round;" it polices 
the grounds, summer and winter ; removes the garbage from the doors 
of the producers. It takes sanitary supervision of the entire place. It 
keeps the streets in order, maintains the board walk and many of the 
sidewalks. It provides public pavilions and seats for the free use and ac- 
commodation of the masses. It sprinkles many of the streets during the dry 
and dusty days of summer. It provides parks, fountains, lakes, and flowers, 
and does a thousand other nameless things for which the leaseholders have 
contracted to pay a small ground rental, which thus far has never exceeded 
$10.50 per lot, which is the maximum ground rental which can be charged 
under the leases already made. The ground rentals amount to about 
$18,000; but much more than this sum is required for the purposes men- 
tioned and is made up by the Association. 

However, allowing this concession to meet the objection that the 
ground rental corresponds to a tax, there still results a net saving to the tax- 
payers of Ocean Grove as compared with Bradley Beach of $32,500, and 
Asbury Park $53,000, after deducting the amount of the ground rentals. 

It thus appears that the conduct of the so-called municipal affairs of 
Ocean Grove by the Association compares most favorably with the com- 
mission government enjoyed by its neighbors. 



268 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

The Treasury 

Ocean Grove has had but two treasurers — the late David H. Brown, 
Esq., of Brooklyn, who was treasurer from the beginning until 1896, when 
he was succeeded by the present treasurer, John E. Andrus, Esq., of Yonk- 
ers, New York. 

It was said in the first year the gratitude of the Association was due 
Mr. Brown "for the cheerful manner in which he has at all times, when 
called upon, advanced money for the forwarding of our important work." 
It was largely due to Mr. Brown that the titles of the property to Ocean 
Grove were finally cleared and the Association became the undisputed 
owner, so that it was later said, "We owe a debt of gratitude to him which 
words cannot express." 

It must be remembered that Ocean Grove was chartered by the state 
as a religious organization ; and that it has not capital stock issue. To 
cover the necessary expense of organization and to make its beginning, each 
one of the charter members, as previously stated, contributed the sum 
of $25. 

At the end of the fourth year the treasurer made the following report : 

Whole amount of money received from all sources since the com- 
mencement of Ocean Grove enterprises to present time (sales 
of leaseholds principally) $156,727. 15 

Expended from beginning up to present time 153,406.10 

Cash balance on hand $3.321 .05 

In notes 2,830 00 

Total $6,151.05 

During the year the sum of $16,000 had been paid on land purchases, 
leaving then only a mortgage of about $9,000 remaining against the entire 
property. There then appears in the record this significant statement: "The 
announcement of these facts was so gratifying to the Association that busi- 
ness was suspended for a season, each shook hands with the other, in token 
of gratitude, and the Doxology was sung with thankful hearts and tearful 
eyes." 

The following year — the fifth — the mortgage referred to had been 
reduced to $6,000, and was then the only indebtedness against the Associa- 
tion. At the same time the inventory, exclusive of land, amounted to 
$56,313.44. 

As time passed it became clear to the Association that they had on 
their hands "a vast and responsible enterprise, vastly greater than was at 
first anticipated, . . . and far beyond what our present comprehensions 
grasp." 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 269 

October 1, 1880, the cash on hand was $10,104.51, with an excess of 
assets $48,471.50 additional. But the balance was soon to be expended in 
improvements ordered and in process. 

In 1 88 1, the assets above liabilities were $27,899.45 and $76,371.20 
respectively above the estimated value of unsold lands. 

The president and secretary, whose whole time was absorbed by the 
duties assigned them, received compensation, but that compensation, while 
there was no complaint as to its amount, was much less than was paid by 
other corporations where there is equal care and responsibility. 

The excess in 1882 grew to $95,796.67. 

In 1884 some of the assets having been considered to be inventoried 
too high, there was a reduction in book value of about $36,000, so that the 
excess was $47,686.54. In 1885 the assets were still further reduced to 
$38,259.94, but the sum of $25,000 expended for sewers, artesian wells, 
water mains, etc., was not included though they were producing revenue. 
In addition there were expenditures on account of the Young People's 
Temple enlargement, the pavilion for the Model of Jerusalem, concrete 
walks, etc., aggregating $4,100. 

In 1886 bonds were issued to the amount of $80,000 as a security for 
notes of like amount for money loaned by various individuals, on demand or 
in six or twelve months. The Association requested the return of the notes 
and substituted the bonds as a better business arrangement. 

The trustees of the sinking fund were Joseph H. Thornley, Esq., and 
the Hon. Holmes W. Murphy. The bonds required the payment of $5,000 
of principal into the sinking fund annually. 

In 1886 J. R. Vankirk, Esq., a member of the Association, became the 
cashier; vice G. W. Evans, Esq., who had been secretary and cashier. 
Mr. Evans became postmaster and retained his office as secretary, the latter 
however, without salary. 

The net assets in 1887 were reported as $53,106.26, with interest paid 
on bonds; principal reduced $5,000, the values increased $40,858.18, 
chiefly in permanent improvements. But the assets did not include the 
sewer system, water, and electric light plants, which in cash amounted to 
over $100,000. Then for a period of years there was a steady advance in 
values from permanent improvements, and a constant reduction in debt 
until, in 1890, Dr. Stokes said, "There are members of the Association who 
hope to live long enough to see not only the last dollar of indebtedness 
wiped out, but a current annual income sufficient to keep up all repairs and 
meet all expenses as they come. The prospect was never more hopeful." 

With each succeeding year there were additional permanent improve- 
ments, as for instance, in 1895, a new electric light and water plant was 
constructed at a cost of $43,086.66; also each year showed a reduction in 



27 o THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

the indebtedness. This is said to be true of each year up to and including 
1909, except for the years of 1896 and 1904; in the former the disastrous 
washout occurred on the beach front which caused heavy and unexpected 
expenditure, "the indebtedness" for that year being increased, as stated by 
the annual report, "by ocean front disaster only." In the latter year an 
"unusual number of violent storms necessitated immediate and costly 
repairs to streets and parks." 

In the last year of Bishop FitzGerald's presidency of the Association 
he reported a reduction of $10,000 in debt. 

The annual report of the Association published in 1QO9 gives the lia- 
bilities of the Association as $115,700. Since then the annual reports for 
the succeeding years show increased liabilities. In 19 14, the last year 
when the figures were published, it was said the liabilities were $690,171.94. 

No official statement of the present indebtedness of the Association has 
been published, but it is generally known that application has been made to 
the proper state authorities to sanction a bond issue of $750,000. 



The Future 

And here the telling of the story must end. "But what of the 
future?" is the natural query. Yes, what of the future? If those who 
chose the site and marked the way realized only vaguely that there were 
possibilities in the future of Ocean Grove far beyond their ability to com- 
prehend, how much more, in the light of the marvelous development in the 
last fifty years, can we of to-day realize the greater possibilities which may 
still be attained? 

In addition to the Camp Meeting and the present features of the 
summer program, some have suggested that Ocean Grove should become 
the seat of a great training institution for home workers and foreign mis- 
sionaries. And, in this year of the Centenary of Methodist Episcopal 
missions, what more appropriate suggestion could be made? And some have 
expressed a desire to see a great popular university established at Ocean 
Grove. Much that would make for the success of such an enterprise is 
already here, and it would not be difficult to supply what is lacking. 

Others would have a great school of music located here for the promo- 
tion of sacred music. What more suitable place could be found for this 
than Ocean Grove, with its great organ and immense auditorium? The 
melody of the organ and the human voice would blend harmoniously with 
the rhythm of the sea. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 271 

Lying as Ocean Grove does, at the most suitable spot along the At- 
lantic Coast and easily reached in what might be termed an overnight trip 
by nearly, if not quite, one half of the population of the United States, 
some or all of these suggestions and desires should come to pass. 

What is needed ? Nothing but a vision of its greatness and a genius 
— no less than that possessed by its founders — to bring it to pass. 



Already there is a beginning; Dr. Stokes, by his will, left a bequest to 
the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association amounting to about $17,500 
in the following words : 

I give and bequeath the other and remaining half of my 
estate to The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, at Ocean Grove, New Jersey, to 
be used in aid of the erection of such building or buildings, as 
may be needed for further enlarged accommodations for 
carrying on our Ocean Grove Summer religious work ; greatly 
desiring, as I do, that as now, if possible, still more fully 
after my decease, to the end of time, that the work of salva- 
tion, free, full, and eternal, may have all the appliances needed 
to reach the largest possible results. 

This is, as one has aptly said, 

"A Golden Year for a Golden Gift" 



APPENDIX 

THE CHARTER PREAMBLE 

Recognizing the truth and beauty of the Scripture declaration, "The earth is 
the Lord's, and the fullness thereof" ; 

And being especially impressed with the propriety of having a portion of the 
land skirting the sea consecrated to sacred uses: 

We, whose names are hereunto annexed, with a single eye to the Divine glory, 
and in humble dependence upon our Heavenly Father's aid, do hereby solemnly 
covenant together to use certain land, which has been providentially committed to 
our trust, for these high and holy purposes. 

And we further declare it to be our design to make this a perpetual oblation 
upon Christ's altar, enjoining its strict observance upon those who may succeed us. 
And to this end we mutually pledge our Christian honor, adopting the following as 
our Charter: 

CHARTER 

An Act to Incorporate the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. 

Section i. Be it enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of 
New Jersey, That Ellwood H. Stokes, Ruliff V. Lawrence, George Hughes, William 
B. Osborn, David H. Brown, John S. Inskip, William H. Boole, Benjamin M. 
Adams, Alfred Cookman, Adam Wallace, John H. Stockton, Aaron E. Ballard, 
William Franklin, Robert J. Andrews, Joseph H. Thornlev, George W. Evans, 
Christopher Sickler, George Franklin, Samuel T. Williams, William Manahan, 
John Martin, George W. Cheeseman, James Black, Oliver L. Gardner, Gardiner 
Howland, and William F. Jordan, and their successors, are hereby constituted a 
body, corporate and politic, under the name of "The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting 
Association of the Methodist Episcopal Church," for the purpose of providing and 
maintaining for the members and friends of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a 
proper, convenient, and desirable permanent Camp Meeting ground and Christian 
seaside resort. 

Section 2. And be it enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for said corpora- 
tion to purchase and hold real and personal estate, and to acquire such lands in this 
State in fee simple or otherwise, as they may deem necessary, proper or desirable 
for the purposes and objects of the corporation, and the same or any part thereof to 
dispose of in parcels or otherwise, or in fee simple or otherwise, on such terms, con- 
ditions, and restrictions, not repugnant to the laws of this State, of the United States, 
as they may see fit. 

Section 3. And be it enacted, That it shall be lawful for said corporation to 
construct and provide all necessary works to supply the said premises with water 
and artificial light, and to provide all other conveniences and make all other im- 
provements which may be deemed necessary or desirable. 

Section 4. And be it enacted, That the affairs of the said corporation shall be 
managed by twenty-six Trustees; the persons named in the first section of this Act 
shall be the first Trustees of said corporation and shall hold their offices until 
others are chosen in their stead — they and their successors shall be and remain mem- 

272 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 273 

bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in good and regular standing. Any Trustee 
dying, or ceasing to be a member of said Church, or being guilty of conduct deemed 
incompatible with the objects and purposes of the corporation, his place may be 
declared vacant, and a successor duly elected by a two-thirds vote, by ballot, of 
the remaining Trustees present at the regular annual meeting of the Association. 

Section 5. And be it enacted, That said Board of Trustees shall from their 
own number elect a President, Secretary, and Treasurer annually, and may ap- 
point any other officer of the corporation they may think proper, from time to time, 
and may pass and enforce such By-Laws as they may deem needful — provided that 
the same be not repugnant to the Constitution or laws of this State or of the United 
States. 

Section 6. And be it enacted, That the real and personal property of said cor- 
poration (said property not to exceed in annual value five thousand dollars) shall 
be exempt from all assessment and taxation. Any surplus funds remaining to the 
corporation, after defraying the necessary expenses thereof, for improvements, or 
otherwise, shall be devoted to such charitable, benevolent, or religious objects or 
purposes as may be agreed on by the said Board of Trustees at their regular annual 
meeting. 

Section 7. And be it enacted, That said Trustees shall have power to appoint 
such peace officers as may be deemed necessary for the purpose of keeping order on 
the Camp grounds and premises of the corporation, which officers shall be paid by 
said corporation for their services; but shall have, when on duty, the same power, 
authority, and immunities which constables and other peace officers under the laws 
of this state possess or enjoy, when on duty as such, and they shall have power to 
enforce obedience on said grounds and premises to any rule or regulation of said 
Trustees for the preservation of quiet and good order. All the provisions of "An 
Act for Suppressing Vice and Immorality," revision approved April fifteenth, 
eighteen hundred and forty-six; and of "An Act to prevent the disturbance of meet- 
ings held for the purpose of religious worship," passed February second, eighteen 
hundred and twenty, shall apply to all meetings or gatherings held in pursuance of, 
and under the authority of the corporation hereby created, in all respects. 

Section 8. And be it enacted, That the meetings and religious services held on 
said Camp ground and premises shall, at all times, be under the directions of a 
committee for that purpose, to be appointed by the said Board of Trustees at their 
regular annual meeting. 

Section 9. And be it enacted, That this act shall be considered a public act, 
and shall take effect immediately. 

Approved March 3, 1870. 

I, Horace N. Congar, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby 
certify that the foregoing is a true copy of an Act passed by the Legislature of this 
State, and approved by the Governor, the third day of March, A. D. 1870, as taken 
from and compared with the original, now on file in my office. 

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official 
seal, this fourteenth day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy. 

H. N. Congar. 



274 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS 

OF THE 

OCEAN GROVE CAMP MEETING ASSOCIATION 

1869 

President 
The Rev. Ellwood H. Stokes, D.D. 

Vice President 
The Rev. Ruliff V. Lawrence 

Secretary 
The Rev. George Hughes 

Treasurer 
David H. Brown, Esq. 

Laymen 
David H. Brown 
Joseph H. Thornlev 
George W. Evans 
Christopher Sickler 
George Franklin 3 
Samuel T. Williams 
William Manahan 
John Martin 
George W. Cheeseman 
James Black 
O. L. Gardner 
Gardiner Howland 
William F. Jordan 



Ministers 
Ellwood H. Stokes 
Ruliff V. Lawrence 1 
George Hughes 
William B. Osborn 
John S. Inskip 
William H. Boole 
Benjamin M. Adams 
Alfred Cookman 2 
Adam Wallace 
J. H. Stockton 
Aaron E. Ballard 
William Franklin 
Robert J. Andrews 



'The Rev. J. H. Alday elected in place of Ruliff V. Lawrence. 

2 The Rev. J. Reeves Daniels elected in place of Alfred Cookman. 

3 James L. Hays, Esq., elected in place of George Franklin. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 275 



THE MEMBERS OF THE OCEAN GROVE CAMP MEETING 
ASSOCIATION, 1919 

The Rev. A. E. Ballard 1869 

T. J. Preston, Esq 1892 

John E. Andrus, Esq 1 894 

Charles E. Hendrickson, Esq 1897 

The Rev. A. J. Palmer 1903 

The Rev. W. H. Morgan 1903 

The Rev. C. L. Mead 1903 

M. E. Blanchard, Esq 1903 

The Rev. Bishop Luther B. Wilson 1903 

E. C. Stokes, Esq 1906 

The Rev. Henry Wheeler 1907 

M. S. Daniels, Esq 1910 

W. Holt Apgar, Esq 1910 

The Rev. Frank L. Wilson 1910 

The Rev. James William Marghall 1913 

The Rev. C. M. Boswell 1913 

B. G. Moore, Esq 1913 

Joseph C. Jackson, Esq 1913 

F. L. Thomson, Esq 1918 

Harold B. Wells, Esq 1918 

E. M. Yerks, Esq 1918 

Henry C. Winsor, Esq 1918 

The Rev. Bishop Joseph F. Berry 1918 



76 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

CROSSING THE BAR 




Sunset and evening star, Twilight and evening bell, 

And one clear call for me! And after that the dark! 

And may there be no moaning of the bar, And may there be no sadness of farewell, 

When I put out to sea. When I embark; 

But such a tide as moving seems asleep, For though from out our bourne of Time 

Too full for sound or foam, and Place 

When that which drew from out the The flood may bear me far, 

boundless deep I hope to see my Pilot face to face 

Turns again home. When I have crossed the bar. 

Alfred Tennyson. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 
IN MEMORIAM 



277 







A. Cookman 










J. H. Stockton 










J. S. Inskip 










T. T. Tasker, Sr. 








* 


James Black 


\ 




R. V. Lawrence 




Ellwood H. Stokes 




Ceorge Franklin 


— 









— 


James S. Yard 




Jas. N. FitzGerald 




J. R. Tantum 


— 









— 


J. H. Thornley 




Ichabod Simmons 




Joseph McPherson 












Robert J. Andrews 




II. W. Murphy 




William B. Osborn 




% 


G. W. Evans 
B. M. Adams 
Adam Wallace 
George Hughes 
H. M. Brown 
W. H. Skirm 
William Franklin 

J. R. Daniels 
Enoch Hanthorn 

S. M. Myers 
John H. Alday 
A. H. DeHaven 
Thomas O'Hanlon 
W. H. Wardell 
T. M. Eickey 

E. N. Cole 
W. H. Heisler 
Jas. L. Hays 
George B. Wight 








They sought for rest and found it by the sea. 

Where proud ships sail, and winds so grandly sweep; 
Where glassy lakes lie slumbering on the lea. 

And dim old forests cast their shadows deep. 
Here oft they sat and with their friends conversed, 

And prayed and sung of Jesus' precious blood; 
Here many a time the story they rehearsed. 

Then sweetly passed in triumph up to God. — e. h. s. 



2 7 8 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



F. L. Wilson 

J. E. Andrus 

T. J. Preston 

H. Wheeler 

J. E. Andrus 

1 No election. 



Officers and Committees, 1919 

President 

THE REV. AARON E. BALLARD, D.D. ' 

Vice-President 
THE REV. JAMES WILLIAM MARSHALL, D.D. 

Secretary 

THE REV. FRANK L. WILSON, D.D. 

Treasurer 

JOHN E. ANDRUS, ESQ. 

The Executive Committee 

M. S. Daniels, Chairman 

F. L. Wilson, Secretary 
A. C. Ballard H. C. Winsor 

J. W. Marshall B. G. Moore 

J. E. Andrus T. J. Preston 

C. M. Boswell E. C. Stokes 

The Standing Committees 

devotional 

Charles M. Boswell, Chairman 

W. H. Morgan 

J. E. Andrus 



finance 

H. C. Winsor, Chairman 

M. E. Blanchard 

H. B. Wells 

REAL ESTATE 

B. G. Moore, Chairman 

Henry Wheeler 

J. C. Jackson 

local affairs 

T. J. Preston, Chairman 

W. H. Apgar 

J. C. Jackson 

nominations 

E. C. Stokes, Chairman 

L. B. Wilson 

C. M. Boswell 



Luther B. Wilson 



E. C. Stokes 



F. L. Thomson 



J. W. Marshall 



A. J. Palmer 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 279 

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NAMES OF THE STREETS OF OCEAN GROVE 

Streets running north and south: 

Ocean Avenue — Paralleling the ocean. 

Beach Avenue — On the beach second from the ocean. 

Central Avenue — The main thoroughfare, north and south. 

Pilgrim Pathway — Leading from both directions to the camp grounds. 

Wesley Place — A short street from Lake Avenue to the Auditorium; named for 

John Wesley. 
New York Avenue — For the State of New York. 
Pennsylvania Avenue — For the State of Pennsylvania. 
New Jersey Avenue — For the State of New Jersey. 
Delaware Avenue — For the State of Delaware. 
Whitefield Avenue — For the noted preacher George Whitefield. 
Benson Avenue — For the Rev. Joseph Benson, an eminent preacher of England. 
Lawrence Avenue — For Ruliff V. Lawrence, first vice-president of the Association. 
Streets, east and west from the north, southward: 
Lake Avenue — To the south of Wesley Lake from the turnpike (now Ocean 

Boulevard) to the ocean. 
East of "Sea Drift Heights": 

Spray Avenue — One block in length ending at thf ocean. 
Seaview Avenue — Two blocks in length ending at the ocean. 
Atlantic Avenue — The Atlantic Ocean. 
Surf Avenue — The Surf. 

Bath Avenue — Terminating at the location of the bathing grounds. 
Ocean Pathway — Appropriately named, extending from the camp grounds and 

Auditorium to the ocean, exactly five hundred yards in length with beautiful 

parkways to the north and south. Two hundred feet wide at Auditorium and 

three hundred feet wide at the ocean. 
McClintock Street — The Rev. James McCIintock. 
Pitman Avenue — The Rev. Charles Pitman, D.D. 
Olin Street— The Rev. Stephen Olin, D.D. 
West of "Sea Drift Heights": 
Kingsley Place — Bishop Calvin Kingsley. 
Mount Pisgah Way 
Mount Zion Way 
Mount Carmel Way 
Mount Tabor Way 
Mount Hermon Way 
Extending from the Turnpike {now Ocean Boulevard) to the ocean: 
Main Avenue — For many years the main street of Ocean Grove. 
Heck Avenue — For Barbara Heck. 
Embury Avenue — For Philip Embury. 
Webb Avenue — For Captain Thorns Webb. 
Abbott Avenue — For Benjamin Abbott. 
Broadway — Named for its breadth. 
Cookman Avenue — For the Rev, Alfred Cookman, a charter member of the 

Association. 
Clark Avenue — For the Rev. Adam Clark. 

Franklin Avenue — For George Franklin, Esq., a charter member of the Association. 
Stockton Avenue — For the Rev. J. H. Stockton, a charter member of the Association. 
Inskip Avenue — For the Rev. John S. Inskip, a charter member of the Association. 



Named for noted mountains of Scripture. 



2 8o THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



SUNDAY TRAVEL 

"The question of Sunday travel has, as you all well know, exercised our minds 
from the beginning. The sanctity of the Sabbath is one of the fundamental 
principles upon which this place was founded. Numerous efforts, you are aware, 
too, have been made from time to time, to move us from our steadfastness at this 
point; and, I am happy to say, thus far without success. And so, my brethren, may 
it be written to the end of time. Entertaining these views, you will be interested 
in the following correspondence, which will explain itself. A correspondence, I 
might add, which in its beginning filled me with intensest anxiety, but which at the 
close gave the profoundest satisfaction. It is here placed upon record, in order that 
both parties may stand in their true light, and occupy their true position in the 
public mind: 

Office of C. R. R. of N. J. 
New York, July 16, 1879 
D. H. Brown, Esq., 

Dear Sir: Some of the patrons of our road at Sea Girt, Spring Lake, and Ocean 
Beach, say that it would be a great convenience to them to have a few cheap 
excursion trains on Sunday between Long Branch and Sea Girt, at such hours as 
would enable them to attend church at Asbury Park, Elberon, and Long Branch. 
What do you and your people think of it? 

Yours truly, 

A. Reckless, President. 

Ocean Grove, N. J., July 20, 1879, 

. ~ ^ IO -45 p- m. 

A. Reckless, Esq., 

Dear Sir: D. H. Brown, Esq., to whom your letter of the 16th inst. concerning 
Sunday trains was addressed, who has been absent for the last ten days, did not 
reach home until last evening, and did not find it convenient to show me your 
letter until after service to-night. I need hardly say, that its contents were a 
great surprise, and in view of the repeated pledges made by your company that 
no Sunday trains would be run to this place during your administration, a profound 
grief. I must also say, that if this proposition is seriously entertained by you, we 
shall feel compelled immediately to convene our Association in special session, to 
consider the propriety of abandoning our camp meeting, as we cannot, and will not 
under any circumstances or conditions that can be named, consent directly or 
remotely to be involved in the desecration of the Sabbath day. The day that 
Sunday trains commence to run to this place, will be the beginning of the end of 
the prosperity which has so wonderfully attended us, because we have reverenced 
this holy day. That which interferes with us interferes with you. The gentlemen 
who originated and are perpetuating this institution are a unit on this question, 
and will abandon the place rather than desert the principle. 

Very truly and respectfully yours, 

E." H. Stokes, President. 



The following was telegraphed in reply 



Central R. R. Co., of N. J., 
New York, July 22, 1879. 



Rev. E. H. Stokes, D.D., Pres't Ocean Grove: 

Your letter, owing to my absence, was not received until this moment. We 
shall run no Sunday trains to Ocean Grove. I expect to stand by you in the future 
as I have done in the past. I regret that my letter, informing you that a request 
had been made by some boarders at Spring Lake and Sea Girt, for a train to take 
such persons from these places as desired to attend church to Ocean Grove and 
Long Branch, on Sunday mornings, returning after services, should have given you 
so much anxiety. The request was made to the "Receiver," and he desired me to 
inform you of it. I gave no intimation that such a train would be run, as I supposed 
you would not favor it. It seemed but fair, however, that it should be communicated 
to you. I will write to Mr. Brown. 

A. Reckless. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 281 

Hon. A. Reckless, ° CEAN Gr0VE ' N " J" Ju ^ 2 ^_ ^ 

Dear Sir: Your telegram of yesterday came to my hands last evening. Its 
declaration and assurances are a great relief and satisfaction to us all. It is the 
high moral tone of this place that has secured its unparalleled success. If this tone 
is leveled down to an ordinary plane, and it becomes simply a summer resort of 
a type like most of others, its chief attraction will be gone, and the uncounted 
thousands which have been drawn here because of these attractions, ceasing to 
feel assured of such moral protection as the past has given, will be scattered, or 
drawn to other places less likely to be interrupted by the frivolities of a costly 
so-called fashionable life, and so the gain that might possibly accrue to you by the 
running of Sunday trains would be lost by the diminished week-day travel, as it is 
quite clear, if Sunday trains were run, our present arrangements for summer 
meetings, which draw the people from all parts of our extended Union, would cease 
at once. 

Thanking you for the prompt and positive manner in which you have met and 
answered the question, I have to assure you that the bond of interest which has 
heretofore existed between your company and this Association, is hereby strength- 
ened an hundredfold. Very tru]y ^ 

E. H. Stokes, 

Pres't O. G. C. M. A. M. E. C. 

It is proper to say too, that this correspondence is thus made public with the 
knowledge and consent of the parties concerned." 

THE FIRST PRAYER MEETING 

Of the first prayer meeting, the Rev. George Hughes wrote at the time: 

A company of ministers and laymen, with their families, had the week previously 
tented at Ocean Grove. On Tuesday evening the friends were invited to meet in 
one of the tents. The Rev. E. H. Stokes, presiding elder of the New Brunswick 
District, led the exercises in a prayer of wonderful unction. He took fast hold of 
the Eternal Throne. All hearts were drawn into the exercise, invoking divine aid 
in this new enterprise. The tokens of divine presence were unmistakable and 
glorious. The heavens were bent in gracious manifestations. O, as the pleading 
man of God grew vehement in the request that we "might have a single eye," 
there was a deep and thrilling response to that utterance. 

After a somewhat protracted season of prayer, the elder, evidently struggling 
under extraordinary emotion, rose to speak. The thought that pressed upon him 
at that hour was the nearness of the spirit-world, and the undoubted presence of 
the pure ones. He felt that there was only a thin veil intervening. He referred to 
the fact that just seven years ago that day a beloved daughter had gone to join 
the glorified. His heart was full — full of painful memories in view of that 
departure, and full of exultation that for seven years she had been developing her 
redeemed powers in the realm celestial. 

Then (with an emphasis not to be forgotten 1 our brother said he felt, in view 
of the undertakng before us, like quoting the first verse of the inspired Word, 
stopping in the middle, "In the beginning, God," and, added, "Lo God is here" — 
here in the beginning, and he trusted would be in the continuance, and to the end. 

Mrs. R. J. Andrews was moved to speak in a similar strain, saying that she had 
been impressed with the fact that spirits from the excellent glory were very near. 

The occasion made an indelible impression on the minds of those present. The 
seal is on the work. The Lord has taken possession of Ocean Grove. The sense 
of his presence was deep and all-pervading during the week. The history of the 
week is comprehensively and truthfully written in the expressive sentence flowing 
so unctuously from the elder's lips, "In the Beginning, God." 

ON EXISTING LAWS 
The following paper, presented by the president, after the report was rendered, 
was adopted, not only by a unanimous, but one of the most emphatic votes ever given 
by the Association, and a special request made that it be incorporated as a part of 
the Annual Report. 



282 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

"It is the fullest and firmest conviction of our heart, that God has the right to 
rule, and to enact such laws as he in his wisdom sees will best promote the interests 
of all; that as Christian men, in harmony with him, we best promote his glory, and 
secure, as a result, our own happiness, when by all that in us lies, we strive to 
observe these laws, and do his will; that being governed by these principles for 
the last eighteen years, in the management of this place, we are this day, more than 
ever assured, that in all our multiplied and varied perplexities we have been, not 
only divinely guided, but in all have secured the divine favor, as is shown in the 
general prosperity of the place, as well as the approval of vast multitudes of 
good people of every name, which we continually receive. This being true, I ask 
you, without the slightest thought of relaxing in any feature of our government, that 
we do here and now reaffirm, all our past moral and religious regulations, and 
restrictions, emphasizing in the strongest possible manner that words can express 
such as bear upon the liquor traffic and holy Sabbath. 

"That we reinstruct our officers and all intrusted with authority upon these 
grounds, urging and insisting upon a still greater vigilance, in detecting and bring- 
ing to proper rebuke and punishment, all tendencies to infringement upon or 
disregard for existing laws, and that we call with renewed earnestness upon all 
Christians and order-loving people, who occasionally visit, or steadily abide with us, 
to aid in our Christly work of keeping this a holy place: 

"And furthermore, that we again proclaim, as we often have before, that there 
are no rules, regulations or restrictions at this place different from those which all 
evangelical bodies in this and other lands expect and require of their people, and 
as the purpose of all is to make this place what the Lord designs the whole earth 
should be at his coming, we have great confidence that all right-minded people will, 
as they have in the past, steadily cooperate with us in this great work, so that they 
and we may at all times have that which we most desire, the constant smile of God." 

THE FIRST LETTER FROM THE NEW POST OFFICE 
Post Office 

Ocean Grove, Monmouth Co., N. J. 
Rev. E. H. Stokes, D.D. 5 o'clock, a. m., August 1, 1881. 

President O. G. C. A. 

Dear Brother: In two hours the Post Office will open to the public for business 
in the large, elegant, and well-appointed room in that part of the new Association 
Building assigned for its use. It is becoming that to you, as the president of the 
Association which has provided these quarters at its own cost, should be delivered 
the first letter from the new office. 

In making this transfer and arranging for business I have been forcibly re- 
minded of the change wrought in the past ten years. The office was established in 
1871, and was opened in the small dwelling on Main Avenue, near the gates owned 
by Charles Rogers, and after a few weeks removed to the building in which it has 
since been kept, and which at that time stood where now stands the Janes Memorial 
Tabernacle. 

The first letters mailed after the office was established was on the 30th day of 
June, 1871, and the marked contrast between that time and the present will best be 
expressed when you are informed that the office now receives and distributes, and 
mails and sends out more letters in one day than were received and distributed, and 
mailed and sent out during June, July, August, and September (the whole season) 
of 1871. What of the next ten years? 

J. C. Patterson, chief of police; Capt. Rainear, Geo. Kellogg, F. Tantum, and 
others, together with the assistants in the office, have been very kind in assisting to 
transfer office fixtures and materials to the new building and aiding to begin 
business in the new room. ,, . 

Very trulv yours, 

H. B. Beegi.e, P.M. 



FIRST TELEGRAM SENT 

To U. S. Grant, Elberon, N. J. 

Can you be with us on Monday at our anniversary? 



Ocean Grove, N. J. 

July 30, 1881. 

E. H. Stokes. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 283 

To Rev. E. H. Stokes, Ocean Grove, N. J. Elberon, N. J. 

I am obliged to go to New York on Monday- Beg pardon for not having 
informed you yesterday. u g _ Grant 

ANNIVERSARIES 

Sixth Anniversary — 1875. Memorial vase at Post Office. 

Seventh Anniversary — 1876. Vase dedicated to Young People at Ocean Grove 
in Centennial Park opposite the Arlington. 

Eighth Anniversary — 1877. Vase in rear of preachers' stand facing the sea 
at head of Ocean Pathway, dedicated to the Pioneer Women of Ocean Grove. 

Ninth Anniversary — 1878. "Angel of Victory" — Monmouth Place. 

Tenth Anniversary — 1879. "Grace" and "Gratitude." 

Eleventh Anniversary — 1880. "Jennie and Joe" — Cold water fountain. 

Twelfth Anniversary — 1881. Association Building. 

Thirteenth Anniversary — 1882. New Fountain "Good Will," northeast corner 
of the Auditorium was unveiled — a little boy in bronze. 

Fourteenth Anniversary — 1883. Anniversary vase at Thompson Park to mark 
the place of the first religious meeting at Ocean Grove. 

Fifteenth Anniversary — 1884. Six artesian fountains already running, taken as 
the anniversary monument. 

Eighteenth Anniversary — 1887. Dedication of the Young People's Temple as 
the anniversary monument. 

Twentieth Anniversary — 1889. Dedication of Thornley Chapel. 

Twenty- fifth Anniversary — 1894. New Auditorium. 

Thirty-sixth Anniversary — 1905. Unveiling of the Stokes Monument. 

Thirty-eighth Anniversary — 1907. Fountain in Thompson Park, in honor of 
the late Bishop FitzGerald. 

THE OCEAN GROVE HYMN 

The Ocean Grove hymn was written by the late Ellwood H. Stokes, then and 
thereafter for a period of twenty-eight years the president of the Ocean Grove 
Camp Meeting Association, to be sung at the exercises commemorating the sixth 
anniversary of the founding of Ocean Grove, or, perhaps to speak more correcty, 
of the first religious service held at Ocean Grove. 

The sixth anniversary was held on July 31, 1875, and it is said that the 
auditorium, where the exercises were held, was crowded to its limit. Altogether, the 
occasion was a most notable one. Ocean Grove, had been in existence only six 
years, but two guests of national prominence were present, seated upon the 
platform; one, the President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, who sat at 
Dr. Stokes' right, and the other, a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Levi 
P. Scott, who sat at his left. The orator of the day was none other than the beloved 
president of the Association, Dr. Stokes. 

The oration was in the nature of a historical address and at its conclusion the 
Ocean Grove Hymn, written for the occasion, was sung by the choir and congre- 
gation; it is also said both the president and the bishop joined in singing. 

The beauty of sentiment and lines alike is such that we are sure all will be 
interested in it, and if, perchance, it shall be seen by any who were present on that 
occasion, doubtless they will remember it. 

In writing this hymn Dr. Stokes has not only truly portrayed his own sentiment 
but also that of the founders, toward Ocean Grove. These sentiments are of 



284 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

such a character as to make the singing of this hymn appropriate on many oc- 
casions. 

It is hoped that the custom of singing this hymn may be revived. 

God of the Grove, where leaves of green 

Are brilliant in the golden light, 
Where bright skies looking down between 

Smile on us through the silent night — 
Thou God of might and matchless love, 
Walk through our walks at Ocean Grove. 

God of the lakes, where soft winds blow, 

And waters laugh beneath the sun, 
Where maidens sing and children row, 

Where age and youth melt into one — 
Thou God of might and matchless love, 
Be on our lakes at Ocean Grove. 

God of the beach, whose ocean air 

Gives zest to life and rest to all, 
While we such earthly blessings share, 

O let Thy Spirit on us fall — 
Thou God of might and matchless love, 
Brood o'er the beach at Ocean Grove. 

God of the sea, where tempests sweep, 

And stormy billows lash the land, 
Who measurest the awful deep, 

As in the hollow of Thy hand — 
Thou God of might and matchless love, 
Command the sea at Ocean Grove. 

God, whom we worship, Jesus, Lord, 

We sing thy praise, we trust thy blood, 
Led by thy spirit and thy word, 

O, make us wise and make us good — 
Thou God of might and matchless love, 
Make us a power at Ocean Grove. 

God of the land and of the sea, 

God of the human heart and will, 
Whatever may or may not be, 

O may we in thy hands be still — 
Then sink into thy matchless love, 
And all be pure at Ocean Grove. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 



285 



Our Major Patterson 



The truest greatness is ever the most modest. The words are trite, perhaps; 
but the truth has been rarely illuminated for us at Ocean Grove during the last 
few months, as we have contemplated the life, so recently ended, of General John C. 
Patterson. 

For more than forty years a hero walked among us — a hero, too, of the kind 
that the whole world loves to honor, especially in these days when military achieve- 
ment and distinction count for so much. Yet day by day he went his quiet ways 
in Ocean Grove so unassumingly that pride in the soldier and officer was almost 
forgotten in love and respect for the man. 
Some, indeed, of those who thought they 
knew him best were scarcely aware of his 
brilliant record in the Civil War and later 
in the Life-Saving and Coast Guard Serv- 
ice, until they read in the eulogistic columns 
of the public press and his brave exploits 
and successive promotions. We thrilled to 
them then; yet, after all, it was not the 
honors he had won that meant most to us 
of Ocean Grove, but our own memories 
of the upright man, the simple gentleman, 
whom we had known. Colonel, brigadier- 
general — whatever rank or title might have 
been conferred upon him — to us he was still, 
as he always will be, "our Major Patter- 
son." 

It is not our purpose to present a bio- 
graphical sketch. That has been ably done 
by others. A brief tribute to the character 
of one of Ocean Grove's best and oldest 
friends, however, we would offer. 

What are the qualities we remember 
best? 

There was, first of all, his personal integrity. A man without guile and above 
reproach, the confidence which he inspired was absolute and unquestioning. And 
any work which he directed or controlled, whether material or moral, was faith- 
fully and thoroughly performed. 

There was his justice, which, like his charity, never failed. Just the other day 
an old laborer, past his days of activity, was heard to say, with a look of infinite 
pathos and yearning in his eyes: "Thirty years and more I worked for the Major 
in Ocean Grove, and never once did I know him give a man anything but a fair 
deal. We was friends, Major Patterson and me." In the many years of his 
service as superintendent and as chief of police, offenders against law and order 
had sometimes to be punished. But never a man or boy among them felt that he got 
more than he deserved, or that the Major was anything but his friend. 

There was his courage. Several boys of a generation ago, now men in middle 
life, declare that they have no more vivid recollection than that of the Major, stand- 
ing erect in the stern of a surf-boat, in a sea which no man on the shore had dared 
face until inspired by his example, putting out to the rescue of some foolishly 
venturesome lads caught outside in a storm. It was the same courage that marked 




GENERAL JOHN C. PATTERSON 



286 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

the exploit at the storming of the breastworks at Cold Harbor in 1864, that carried 
him unflinching through thirty-two engagements in the Civil War, and that won 
for him as captain of the Coast Guard the highest honor medal awarded by Con- 
gress for "saving life from the perils of the sea." 

There was his courtesy, so fine, because so simple and sincere — the courtesy 
of the true gentleman, based on kindness and equal to high and low, to rich and 
poor. 

There were other qualities too, best known to the small inner circle of intimates 
— his great love of reading and of good literature; his artistic sense and the native 
ability which, had greater things left time and place for them in his life, might 
well have won him distinction; the deeply thoughtful element in his faith and reli- 
gious life; his affection for his friends, to so many of whom on later birthdays — his 
own birthdays — he has sent beautiful and valued cards of remembrance and greet- 
ing. 

It was Major Patterson who with his own hands laid the foundation of our 
great Auditorium and helped construct our famous Board Walk; whose soldierly 
figure we have so often seen marshaling the veterans in our patriotic and national 
gatherings. It was he too who for many years drew and adorned the scroll of names 
of those remembered on our Memorial Day. This year his own name appears in 
the list of those who have passed on within the twelve-month. In this first half- 
century of Ocean Grove's history no name has been more untarnished, no man has 
lived a nobler life within its gates or been a more beneficent influence than "our 
Major Patterson." 

THE GREAT WASHOUT 
Request for assistance to defray expenses of restoring the damaged ocean front. 

Ocean Grove, N. J., July 20, 1896. 
Dear Friend: 

Greetings of Grace, Mercy, and Peace! 

You have doubtless heard of the destruction wrought on our ocean front by 
one of the terrific storms of the past winter. 

To restore the former conditions will cost at least $25,000. 

The whole beach and plank walk were so seriously threatened that to prevent 
the further destruction of one of the highest interests of our town something had to 
be done at once. 

The best knowledge growing out of years of experience along the sea was sought 
and applied to our situation. 

The unanimous conclusion reached was that a series of jetties and bulkheads 
should be immediately constructed to prevent the further encroachment of the sea 
on Ocean Avenue and, if possible, restore our wasted beach. The success thus far 
has been exceedingly gratifying. 

To reach our present restorations over $20,000 has been borrowed, on which 
we are paying an annual interest of six per cent. This burden is too great for us to 
bear alone. 

Our lot owners have always shown sympathy with us in our efforts to protect 
and promote their property interests. Ours is a mutual copartnership. 

The permanent loss of our plank walk would depreciate the interests of all, 
and by that much lessen the attractions of our beautiful seaside resort. 

This heavy burden of expense is felt all the more seriously in that it follows 
so quickly after other large and imperative outlays in providing better systems of 
electric light and water supplies; and now we have the added cost of constructing 
a larger and stronger water tank of sufficient capacity to meet the increasing 
demands of our people. These last-named improvements, however, will in time 
make such remunerative returns as will, to a large extent, lighten their own 
weight. 



THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 287 

But from the beach and plank walk there are no direct returns whatever, only 
as thej' come from the general prosperity of the place, in which prosperity all 
property holders share, some more, some less, and all are in their measure benefited. 

We, therefore, appeal not only to all of our lease holders, but to you also, as 
an interested friend of own town, as shown in your gifts to the great Auditorium, 
for help to remove this largely added debt, which has, in the providence of God, 
so unexpectedly come upon us. 

Some of the members of our Association have given months of uncompensated 
toil to the restoration of our sea-smitten front, and will, in answer to this appeal, 
give of their means also to lift the debt incurred. 

I, therefore, in view of all these things, in the name of and on behalf of the 
Ocean Grove Association, most kindly, earnestly, and notwithstanding all the 
financial depressions which embarrass our country, even hopefully ask you to 
join us in the effort to raise this money. 

We would be very thankrul to have you answer this appeal at once, or at the 
farthest by September i, 1896. 

If not convenient to pay immediately what you would desire, our ends would 
be served if we receive it by September 1, 1896. 

In the best interest to secure the highest spiritual and material results, and to 
hold our beloved Ocean Grove for God, 

I am very truly yours, 

E. H. Stokes. 

Copies of the above circular were sent to all property owners and a large 
number of friends, not lot owners, whose names and addresses were on our 
Auditorium subscription book, altogether aggregating about one thousand six 
hundred. By change of residence many failed to reach the parties for whom they 
were designed, so that between one and two hundred, to the Auditorium contributors, 
not lot holders, were returned to us, and, having failed to reach their destination, 
did not do their work. You will be interested to know the result: 

Total number of subscribers, 151. Of these — 

13 gave $1 .00 each $13 .00 

6 " 2.00 " 12.00 

1 " 3- 00 " 3. 00 

64 " 5.00 " 320.00 

i " 8.00 " 8.00 

30 " 10. od " 300.00 

1 " 12. oo " 12.00 

1 " 15.00 " 15.00 

4 " 20.00 " 80.00 

14 " 25.00 " 350.00 

7 " 50.00 " 350.00 

4 " 100.00 " 400.00 

146 Subscriptions paid $1,863.00 

1 Gordon Lecture (net) 215.75 

Total cash $2,078 . 75 

Unpaid, 2 of $5 10.00 

Unpaid, 1 of 10 10.00 

Unpaid, 1 of 50 50.00 

151 Total subscribed $2,148.75 

To these statements it should be added that a number of letters were received 
expressing profound sympathy with the situation, and at the same time very greatly 
regretting utter inability to render financial aid. It is also just to say that several 
gentlemen of high standing in their home relations of thoroughly intelligent and 
successful business habits, wrote us, in the most kindly spirit (which letters are 



288 THE STORY OF OCEAN GROVE 

not only preserved, but highly appreciated), of their fullest sympathy, readiness, 
and perfect willingness to help at once; but as parties appealed to could not know 
their share in the matter, that by far the better and much more equitable way would 
be to raise the amount by a special assessment. This plan, however, and indeed 
almost every other had been fully discussed in our Emergency Committee before 
sending the circulars. It was finally decided to try the circular plan first, and wait 
developments. 

There is another item of interest in this history, which will enlighten you 
somewhat, namely, the relations of each subscriber to our work: 

18 resident lot owners, total amount subscribed $138.00 

73 summer residents, total amount subscribed 979. 00 

55 friends, not lot owners 746.00 

2 subscribers, out of town, not yet paid 10.00 

1 friend, not yet paid 50.00 

1 subscriber, lot owner, not paid 10.00 

1 Gordon Lecture (net) 215.75 

151 total subscribers. Total amount $2,148.75 

4 not paid 70.00 

Total cash $2,078.75 

Dr. Stokes, in reporting this said, "I add, in conclusion, it gives me great 
pleasure to say that in all the correspondence I do not recall one unkind sentence or 
word, and to all who wrote or gave I render profoundest thanks." 



^8t- a a 



